Leeds United defender Diego Llorente is now not expected to make his loan move to Serie A side AS Roma permanent, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
Roma will instead turn to sign Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Evan N’dicka on a free transfer, the report states.
Llorente has been on loan at Jose Mourinho’s side since January, and has made six starts during his time in Rome.
The Spanish defender had a buy option of around £15m negotiated as part of his initial loan deal, but this looks unlikely to be triggered given the limited game time that Llorente has had at Stadio Olimpico.
The 29-year-old is currently under contract with the Whites until 2026 after signing a recent extension, so would return to Thorp Arch to take part in pre-season.
Yet, as is the case with much of Leeds’ squad, Llorente’s future in West Yorkshire is uncertain were the club to suffer Premier League relegation this season.
With the European Championships set to take place next year, previous Spanish international Llorente may look for a move elsewhere – whether on loan or permanently – to catch the eye of newly appointed Spain manager Luis de la Fuente through playing regular top-flight football.
Leeds’ bid to escape the drop continues this Sunday in a vital clash away at West Ham, with anything short of a win throwing their ambitions of staying up into serious jeopardy.
