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On Wednesday, Leeds United’s Marc Roca expressed his desire to join Real Betis on a permanent deal.

The Whites allowed the midfielder join the La Liga side on loan in the last window and he’s excelled under Manuel Pellegrini’s orders this season, managing four goals and an assist from 18 games.

Real Betis are convinced they should retain him and open talks with Leeds. Estadio Deportivo now provide the latest on this case.

The 26-year-old has formed a partnership with Guido Rodríguez, who has a contract until 2024. The Spanish club don’t want to lose both next year and work has started to try to retain the duo.

Estadio state several sources have informed them that the ‘negotiations are underway’ with Daniel Farke’s side for Roca. It’s claimed their idea is to buy him and insert a clause that’ll help Leeds to earn from a future sale.

Although the contacts are ‘incipient’ now, Real Betis sporting director Ramón Planes is ‘determined to advance’ the deal. The report adds Roca’s entourage have ‘neither confirmed nor denied’ ED’s claim.

During the negotiations with Leeds for Roca, Real Betis have asked about Junior Firpo. The left-back made his first appearance of the season against Plymouth Argyle, after recovering from a knee injury.

It’s claimed the 27-year-old has ‘never hidden his desire’ to return to Real Betis and could be an option for them in January, if Juan Miranda were to move elsewhere.

Atlético Madrid’s Javi Galán is Real Betis’ Plan A, but they are keeping other options open, which is where Junior would fit in.