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Sky Sports journalist drops major Leeds United update on centre-back pursuit at Elland Road

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Leeds United are reportedly still assessing their centre-back options after announcing the arrival of Diogo Monteiro, with Diego Llorente in Rome to secure a move to AS Roma.

The Whites have been very active this January to strengthen at both ends of the pitch and in midfield, with three signings made to bolster each area.

Diego Llorente’s loan exit from the club is going to be confirmed imminently after he arrived in Rome yesterday to complete a move to the Serie A.

Llorente’s exit might not be one that causes too much heartache after a major dip in form this season, but it does leave Leeds short in the centre-back department, particularly with right-footers.

With Nottingham Forest up next, Leeds have no right-footed senior centre-backs available as Robin Koch serves a suspension, meaning there could be scope for a swift solution to his departure.

Diogo Monteiro was cited by Fabrizio Romano as the man to replace Llorente, but now Sky Sports journalist Tim Thornton is claiming the club are still on the lookout.

Speaking live from Elland Road on Sky Sports News, Thornton had this on Leeds’ defensive business:

“Diego Llorente, he’s currently in Rome he’s undergoing a medical and completing a move there, that will be a loan move with a view to a permanent.

“It means Leeds are assessing their central defensive options and they are looking at potential targets today.”

Do Leeds need to replace Llorente?

Yes

Yes

No

No

I think it would be a big gamble not to replace Llorente with someone who can cover for Koch.

Llorente isn’t a player I’m going to lose much sleep over joining someone else, and I wish him well, but we still need to sign someone to replace.

We cannot go into the second half of the Premier League season with just Koch as our only right-footed centre-back.

Luke Ayling can be a solid player, but to rely on him so heavily is just asking for trouble.

The big updated Diego Llorente quiz – Can Leeds United fans score 20/20?

1 of 20

Llorente made an appearance for Real Madrid.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.