Real Sociedad and Real Madrid close to deal for Diego Llorente
Talks between the Basque side and Real Madrid are at an advanced stage. La Real will pay between 6 and 8 million euros for the centre-back who will sign a four-year contract.
Diego Llorente is close to becoming Real Sociedad's first reinforcement for next season as the Basque side look to shore up their side for their return to European competition. The 23-year-old central defender is under contract with Real Madrid but spent last season out on loan with Málaga. If nothing untoward happens over the next few days, the Donostiarras should reach an agreement to sign Llorente for a fee of between six and eight million euros. Real Sociedad's technical department have been weighing up two options to strengthen their defence - Porto's Diego Reyes, who impressed during his season-long loan at Anoeta in 2015/16, or Diego Llorente. Espanyol, where Reyes spent last season on loan, have an option to buy the Mexican for seven million euros; but Porto have received several offers from other clubs and could hike the asking price to make the signing almost impossible for the Pericos.
Real Madrid against loaning Diego Llorente for a third year running
Llorente has stated his desire to stay another year at Málaga, and had a personal agreement in case Real Madrid decided to loan him out again, but yesterday, Michel hinted that the player would not be continuing at the club. That is because Real Madrid have decided to cash in on the defender and sell him outright rather than farm him out on loan for a third season.
Real Sociedad, had initially requested a one-season loan but Madrid rejected that proposal. Negotiations will be stepped up after tonight's Champions League final in Cardiff. Among the issues which still need to be discussed is the matter of a buy-back clause which Real Madrid might want to include in the operation. Llorente's arrival would be part of a summer overhaul of the squad at Real Sociedad with Mikel González having already bid the club goodbye and former Madrid pair Sergio Canales and Esteban Granero expected to be moving on.
