Leeds defender Llorente in talks to join Roma on loan

Leeds defender Diego Llorente is in talks to join Roma on loan with obligation for around £18m.

The Spanish centre-back has fallen out of favour in Jesse Marsch's struggling side and has made just eight Premier League appearances during the campaign.

Llorente has already arrived in Italy to complete the move, however details of the deal are still being discussed between the two sides.

© Provided by Daily Mail Leeds defender Diego Llorente is close to completing a loan move to Italian side Roma

© Provided by Daily Mail Jose Mourinho's team are set to make the Spaniard their latest addition in the January window

Jose Mourinho's Roma side may be interested in signing the defender given the uncertainty over Chris Smalling's future with the Italian side.

Llorente would join Roma on a loan deal for the remainder of the season but the Serie A team would have an obligation to buy for £18million.

Jesse Marsch's side have already lined up a potential replacement for Llorente, with highly-rated youngster Diogo Monteiro preparing to complete a move to Leeds.

Monteiro, 18, currently plays for Swiss side Servette and is a regular feature of the Portugal U19s side.

Both Monteiro and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie are having medicals this morning ahead of their respective transfers to the club.

© Provided by Daily Mail Llorente has spent three seasons in Yorkshire since making the switch from Real Sociedad

© Provided by Daily Mail Leeds are lining up a move for Portugal youngster Diogo Monteiro as Llorente's replacement

Juventus made McKennie available to loan with an option to buy earlier this month, prompting interest from Leeds.

Sportsmail previously reported how the USA international has always wanted to play in the Premier League and sees Leeds as a very interesting opportunity to live that dream

He has played a total of 70 games for Juventus scoring nine goals after joining from German side Schalke in 2020.

© Provided by Daily Mail Leeds United have beaten off late competition to agree a deal for Juventus's Weston McKennie