Phil Hay reports that Portuguese defender Diogo Monteiro is having a medical at Leeds United alongside Weston McKennie, with the centre-back expected to join the club from Swiss outfit Servette. Diego Llorente is due to leave.
Llorente, 29, is set to leave Leeds just a month after signing a new deal until June 2026. Sky Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio says the Spain international is joining Roma on loan with an option. He is due to arrive in Roma later today to sign.
The news comes as a surprise, mainly for two reasons. His new deal, firstly. Secondly, the lack of cover in the middle of the defence. Robin Koch is keeping Llorente out. But, Leeds will lack cover for the Germany man if a move happens.
However, that may change depending on Jesse Marsch’s stance regarding Monteiro. The 18-year-old – who enjoyed his 18th birthday on Saturday – is set to undergo a medical at Elland Road today. He, and Juventus ace McKennie.
Hay: Monteiro having medical at Leeds on Monday alongside McKennie
Monteiro is likely to join the club and be a part of the Under-21 side. So, it is difficult to see if he will be an immediate replacement for Llorente. Leeds lack cover on the right of their two central defenders. Luke Ayling can of course, cover.
But other than that, who can play there? Liam Cooper and Max Wober are options on the left, as is Pascal Struijk – but he is playing at left-back. Junior Firpo is improving. But could it be that Leeds bring in a new player in that position?
Or, do Leeds recall Charlie Cresswell? He is struggling for regular games at Millwall but has impressed when given the chance. If Llorente’s move does go through, you would suggest that Leeds should consider a move to bring him back.
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