AS Roma are looking to wrap up the signing of a second Leeds United defender this week in Rasmus Kristensen.
That is according to TuttoMercatoWeb, who report Roma want the deal done for Kristensen by next Monday and a fresh round of talks between the two clubs is expected soon to get it finalised.
It is also said that the deal is expected to include an option-to-buy for £8.6 million (€10 million), despite reports last week indicating it would only be a straight loan.
Kristensen is set to follow in the footsteps of fellow Leeds defender Llorente by making the move to Roma, with the 29-year-old not having returned to West Yorkshire for pre-season on Monday.
This was due to his exit from Elland Road being imminent, with Roma having now reached a ‘total agreement’ for him to join on loan for a second time, in a deal that will become permanent for £4.3 million if he plays in 50% of their matches.
Kristensen set to join Llorente at Roma with deal to be done this week
Kristensen was not among those expected back for pre-season on Monday after being granted extra time off due to his exploits with Denmark in last month’s international break.
However, it does not appear as though he will be returning at all with Roma keen on ensuring he has put pen-to-paper on a loan deal with them by the end of the week.
It is also good news that an option-to-buy will indeed be included in the deal, as if Leeds get promoted, fans will not want to see these players jumping back on board after a year in the Championship.
If the reported price tag of £8.6 million is true, Leeds would be making a slight loss on Kristensen after paying around £10 million to sign him from RB Salzburg last summer.
His departure will surely finally open the door for Cody Drameh to become Leeds’ starting figure at right back after two impressive loan spells in the Championship.
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