Diego Llorente’s time at Leeds United could be coming to an end within hours, with the club close to finalising his transfer to Real Betis, according to Estadio Deportivo.

The Spanish outlet reported on 1 July that Betis have already agreed on personal terms with the defender and are now hoping to reach an agreement on the transfer fee with Leeds imminently.

Last week, Betis signed Leeds loanee Marc Roca permanently for £3.8 million and had initially hoped to pay the same amount for Llorente, according to Diario del Sevilla on 27 June.

Leeds, however, had demanded £5.1 million. A compromise of £4.25 million is reportedly near, allowing Llorente to depart LS11, as reported by Samuel Silva on 27 June.

Leeds United Continuing Transfer Clear-Out This Summer

Among the players returning to Leeds this summer after loan spells, Llorente seemed the most unlikely to don the white shirt again, according to Roma News on 18 June.

While players like Roca and Brenden Aaronson swiftly secured loan deals last year, Llorente had already moved to Rome, joining Stadio Olimpico in January.

Unlike Rasmus Kristensen, who followed Llorente to the Italian capital in July, it seemed certain the Spaniard would become a permanent Roma player after impressing for Daniele De Rossi’s side last season, as noted by Corriere dello Sport on 28 May.

However, Roma’s withdrawal from the transfer fee agreement has given Betis the opportunity to sign Llorente and reunite him with Roca. This transfer will also provide Leeds with a financial boost, aiding their profit and sustainability efforts.

Although Leeds would have preferred to complete the transfer before 30 June, the deal extending into July will still be welcomed by Daniel Farke’s side. Moving on a player who many believed would not return to Elland Road marks a significant step in Leeds’ ongoing transfer clear-out this summer.