The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 19th June) Roma keen to wrap up €5m Llorente deal
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 19th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Roma keen to wrap up €5m Llorente deal
Reports from Italy suggest Roma will take advantage of a gentleman's agreement they had with Leeds last Summer, and wrap up the permanent signing of Diego Llorente for €5m (£4.2m).
The 30yo centre-back adapted to life in La Liga like a duck to water, and soon made his feelings abundantly clear that he did not want to return to Blighty! He had a solid campaign last season for the Giallorossi, starting 33 games (and making 7 substitute appearances) from all competitions, picking up a respectable 6.64 'Whoscored' rating, placing him ninth in their squad.
Pre Season trip of Germany on the cards
Leeds are planning a pre-season tour of Germany this Summer as part of their preparations for the forthcoming season, according to YEP journalist Graham Smyth.
The Whites have already scheduled games against Harrogate Town and Valencia this Summer, but the gaffer has decided that an exertion to his homeland would be beneficial to his squad. Farke has both played an managed in Germany; it will be interesting to see what he has planned! According to Smythe
“Yes, we are anticipating a trip to Germany for Farke and his squad as they prepare for the new season, but the friendlies are not confirmed and the details are still to be firmed up before the club makes any announcements.”
Leeds set to lose out financially on Roca deal
Real Betis have agreed a four year contract with wantaway midfielder Marc Roca, amidst rumours that they are close to agreeing a reduced fee with Leeds Utd for his services.
Roca, a £10m rescue signing from the depths of Bayern Munich's squad two years ago, was one one of the first to jump ship last Summer, taking full advantage of a clause in his contract allowing him to go out on loan in the event of relegation.
Just like Llorente, Roca found Mediterranean life to his liking, vowing never to return to West Yorkshire. Failure to win promotion last season, has allowed the 27yo to extend his stay in Seville for another season by which time he'll only have a year left on his contract. Roca excelled last season in La Liga, but the clause in his contract puts Bettis in the driving seat as far as negotiations go.