Talks open: Huge club now make first move to sign £57,000-a-week Leeds player who Bielsa loves

Leeds United are in talks with AS Roma over the permanent transfer of defender Diego Llorente, according to reports in Italy. The Spanish center-back spent last season on loan with Roma and impressed, making 54 appearances for the Italian club.Llorente was signed by Marcelo Bielsa in 2020 and had a promising debut season at Elland Road, earning praise from his manager.

However, his form dipped in his second season, and he was loaned out to Roma in January 2023.The 29-year-old is under contract with Leeds until 2026 and earns £57,000 per week. Roma are reportedly willing to pay €5m (£4.2m) to sign him permanently, which would be a significant sale for Leeds.Leeds are preparing for a second season in the Championship after missing out on promotion last season.

Manager Daniel Farke will remain in charge, but the club’s failure to return to the Premier League means they must navigate Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) rules.Chairman Paraag Marathe has admitted that some “trade-offs” will be necessary, but the club has the funds to invest in new players. Leeds have been linked with several signings, including a reunion with £30,000-a-week player Archie Gray.Llorente’s potential exit would be a significant departure from the squad, but his form last season suggests he may not be a key player for Farke. The manager has already spoken to Brenden Aaronson, who will return from his loan spell and play a part in Leeds’ promotion push next season.Leeds fans will be watching the transfer situation closely, with the club’s ambitions for next season hanging in the balance.

The potential sale of Llorente and other players could raise valuable funds for Farke to reinvest in the squad.As the summer transfer window heats up, Leeds United’s plans for the future are taking shape. With talks ongoing over Llorente’s transfer, fans can expect more updates and developments in the coming weeks.