Club ‘optimistic’ of deal with Leeds United – Pressing need encourages fresh offer

Real Betis are optimistic of reaching an agreement for Leeds United defender Diego Llorente, even if their first bid was rejected.

That’s according to Mucho Deporte, who say the parties involved in the operation are optimistic that the Leeds defender will end up in Manuel Pellegrini’s squad this summer.

Reports in England have made it clear that Leeds rejected Betis’ first offer for Llorente this week, turning down the proposal that the Spanish side had put forward for him.

Betis want to spend €4-5m on the defender, which is the value of the clause that Roma had agreed with Leeds when they loaned him last season.

Llorente is keen on the move and the stability it can offer him, but he has a contract with Leeds until 2026 and so they can negotiate with that in their favour.

They’ve already rejected Betis’ first proposal, but the Spanish side have a need to add a centre-back to their squad before the start of pre-season after Sokratis and Chadi Riad both left the club.

They only have Marc Barta at present and so a second attempt to get Llorente out of Leeds is expected to be made sooner rather than later.

The club are at least strengthened by the fact the defender wants to make the move, with him having been in contact with several players in the Betis squad. They have made him aware of the ‘good atmosphere’ in the group and that’s helped sway his thinking.

Betis now need to convince Leeds, but a second bid is incoming and a there is optimism among those involved a deal can be struck.