26-year-old Leeds man told move will happen once exit is confirmed – journalist

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Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca has been told by Real Betis his move will happen once William Carvalho is sold.

That is according to Estadio Deportivo journalist Aitor Torvisco, who claims a pre-agreement has already been ‘closed’ with Roca, but a deal cannot be finalised until William Carvalho is sold.

Carvalho is widely expected to make the switch to Saudi Arabia this summer, though the transfer is taking longer than expected which is putting Betis’ incoming transfers on hold.

The Europa League side need Carvalho to move on in order to open up the necessary salary space, which would then allow them to confirm the signing of Roca, as well as Ayoze Perez and Hector Bellerin.

Roca is expected to join on an initial season-long-loan deal, which would also include an option-to-buy next summer, despite reported reluctance from Leeds.

Betis urge calm to Roca over proposed transfer

This is a transfer that feels like it has been in the pipeline for several weeks now, but as time ticks on without an official announcement, Roca has grown frustrated.

However, Spanish journalist Torvisco says Betis have urged ‘calm’ to Roca regarding the transfer, telling him it will be done as soon as Carvalho leaves.

He said: “What I do know is what they say from the other side, the part of those players who have already closed pre-agreements with Betis and who are waiting in the inbox, such as Héctor Bellerín, Ayoze Pérez and Marc Roca.

“To these three players, Betis is transmitting calm. They are calm and tell them that the William Carvalho deal is going to be done and that when it is done, they will be able to close the deal for them.”

Betis could really do with getting a move on in shifting Carvalho so that Roca’s exit from Leeds can officially be finalised.

Leeds return for pre-season on July 2 and could do without players who don’t want to be there, with Roca set to be in the first group coming back.

It is also important his wages are off the books as swiftly as possible so it can be reinvested back into the squad, with midfield a key position in need of strengthening.