Phil Hay says 25-year-old’s Leeds exit has not yet progressed as expected

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Rasmus Kristensen’s loan move from Leeds United to AS Roma has not ‘moved forward’ as quickly as expected.

That is according to Phil Hay, who was speaking on the latest episode of The Square Ball Podcast, where he explained Kristensen’s potential transfer has not progressed in the same fashion Diego Llorente’s has.

Llorente is closing in on a season-long-loan switch back to Roma in a deal that is set to include a £4.3 million obligation to buy if he features in at least 50% of their matches next season.

Reports from the Italian press indicate Kristensen is set to follow him on another loan deal, though it is unclear whether it would include some sort of buy option in 12 months’ time.

However, as per Hay, Kristensen’s move is not close to being as advanced as Llorente’s, and it remains to be seen whether Roma will be able to get it over the line.

Kristensen’s Roma move not progressing quickly

After representing Denmark on international duty last month, Kristensen is not due back for pre-season until July 10.

Unlike Llorente, who did not show up due to his transfer being so close to completion, the 25-year-old may indeed be returning to Thorp Arch given the lack of progress on his move.

Hay said: “Though the others in the background, we wait to see what happens with Rasmus Kristensen and Roma. They do like him but that doesn’t seem to have moved forward yet in the way Llorente to Roma has.”

It would suit all parties if this deal was to get done with Leeds already having two other ready-made Championship right backs on their books.

Luke Ayling’s experience and dressing room presence will be important next season, but the first choice spot should be there for Cody Drameh to take if he himself doesn’t move on amid Premier League interest.