Leeds United have already made a fine addition to their back line this January window, as Jesse Marsch welcomed Max Wober to Elland Road as part of yet another reunion with one of his former players.
The Austrian had been enjoying a fine personal season and was arguably deserving of a move away from RB Salzburg.
Whilst it seemed like the side was now settled, with Weston McKennie expected to join up with Georginio Rutter as their final deal of the month, Fabrizio Romano would then reveal that one Whites player was closing in on an exit.
He wrote on Twitter: “AS Roma are closing in on deal to sign Diego Llorente from Leeds on loan with buy option clause, agreement in place.”
That now opens up a gap that needs to be filled before the window shuts on the deadline, with Victor Orta having to scramble to secure a direct heir.
A deal for Diogo Monteiro is on the verge of being wrapped up but another name to consider is that of Fiorentina defender Igor Julio, who was linked last week in a reported €20m (£17.5m) deal.
The Brazilian has starred for his Italian outfit ever since his 2020 move, with his exploits during the 2021/22 season likely his most outstanding. Earning a 6.97 average rating, the Brazilian proved himself to be a solid defender with outstanding statistics to suggest he can be a fine ball player too.
Meanwhile, it seems that with each passing season, the Spaniard has fallen further out of favour at Elland Road.
Having impressed in his first season, his average Sofascore rating declined with each year, and from a 7.01 it has now settled at a miserable 6.67 for this campaign.
Did Diego Llorente impress you whilst at Leeds?
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His debut year showcased him to be adept at cutting out dangerous attacks, but then using his 83% pass accuracy and 75% dribble success rate to help progress the play too
What would make Julio a fine heir to Llorente is that he offers a huge improvement on both of these metrics last season, boasting a 92% pass accuracy and a 100% dribble success rate.
The 24-year-old would then pair this with one interception, 1.8 tackles and 1.4 blocks per 90 too, via Sofascore.
His partnership with Nikola Milenkovic was lauded as “crazy” by journalist Alvaro Canibe, and is one which he would perhaps hope to reform with the likes of Wober or Robin Koch should he move.
Julio can be an instant Llorente upgrade for Orta, and given he is five years his junior, this deal represents great value should they defer a deal for Monteiro at the 11th hour.
