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Leeds United defender Diego Llorente is ‘awaiting a reply’ from Roma over a permanent transfer to the Italian club this summer.

That’s according to Roma Giallorossa, who say he wants to leave Elland Road permanently and is waiting for a ‘new negotiation’ to take place and make it happen.

They explain that Llorente would like to return to Rome after a loan spell there this season and José Mourinho would like to keep him in the squad.

The Spanish defender felt good in Rome and Mourinho considers him a valid alternative to Evan N’Dicka and the departing Roger Ibanez, even though he is struggling to find suitable offers to make that happen.

Roma Giallorossa have learned that the Leeds man and his agents are awaiting movement on the situation and also a reply from Roma, who he appears to have given preference to.

Roma chief Tiago Pinto will have to enter into a ‘new negotiation’ with Leeds, though, as he has no intention of paying the €18m initially planned for a permanent deal to happen.

The one certainty is that Llorente will not be returning to Leeds after they were relegated to the Championship and his agents have assured that ‘all options are open’, including that of Roma.

If that hypothesis does not materialise, they will look at other potential destinations but for now the ball is very much in Roma’s court.