Real Betis hope to sign Leeds United star for €4m

It has become clear that Diego Llorente is Real Betis’ top defensive target. Sporting director Manu Fajardo is determined to secure a deal for the 30-year-old centre-back, which would be his second deal of the summer with Leeds United – Marc Roca was signed permanently last month.

Betis’ initial bid for Llorente was recently turned down by Leeds, but Los Verdiblancos will not be deterred. A new offer is expected soon and, according to Marca, club officials want negotiations to be concluded before Wednesday, which is when Manuel Pellegrini’s side return for the start of pre-season. The report also claims that Betis believe a deal could be struck for around €4m.

If Llorente is signed, he would be the first of two central defenders to arrive at Real Betis this summer. The departures of Chadi Riad and Sokratis have caused a huge need for central defenders within Benito Villamarin’s offices, and now, there is confidence that the first of those two additions is coming very soon.