Roma are interested in signing Leeds United defender Diego Llorente on another loan deal this summer.
That is according to Corriere dello Sport, who report Roma are determined to bring Llorente back to the Italian capital with an agreement more aligned to their budget.
Llorente made the loan switch to Roma on deadline day in January with the deal including an option to buy in the region of £18 million.
However, that has been deemed too high by the beaten Europa League finalists and at this stage, Llorente will return to Leeds for pre-season.
Roma will refuse to give up on bringing Llorente back to the Stadio Olimpico, though, and are set to target a fresh loan move, which could include a cheaper permanent option.
It is said that Llorente established himself as an important figure in Jose Mourinho’s dressing room, with his character quickly seeing him become somewhat of a leader.
Llorente targeted for second loan switch
Llorente is the type of player that is vital to get off the wage bill from a financial perspective as far as Leeds are concerned.
Due to the financial position of Roma, it is impossible for them to pay the originally agreed option-to-buy and so wherever he goes, Leeds will have to settle for less.
That said, Leeds cannot afford to loan too many of their players out this summer as it is also vital they bring in some sort of transfer fees that can be re-invested.
If another loan move to Roma is on the table, Leeds must negotiate an obligation to buy rather than option, even if it is for significantly less than £16 million.
Llorente is clearly surplus to requirements at Elland Road regardless of who comes in as manager making it vital he is off the books.
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