According to Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Leeds United are closing in on a deal to sign Real Sociedad defender Diego Llorente.
It’s claimed that Sociedad have been willing to listen to offers, and it was notable that he missed Sunday’s game against Real Madrid.
The deal with Leeds is now believed to be at an advanced stage, and will start at around €20million (£18.3million) but possibly be worth much more.
A small percentage of the fee will go to Real Madrid, due to a sell-on clause inserted in the 2017 deal to sell him to Sociedad.
The 27-year-old has now become Leeds’ top centre back target, amid claims that they have missed out on Dinamo Zagreb defender Josko Gvardiol.
Llorente has impressed in his three years at Sociedad, and has picked up five caps for Spain off the back of his La Liga appearances.
Llorente isn’t the biggest centre back at 6ft 1in tall, but he is quick, possesses a great leap and is more than comfortable on the ball.
That last attribute is key for Marcelo Bielsa and his progressive style at Leeds, and he will become the second Spanish international to join Leeds this summer alongside Rodrigo.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
