Roma now set to sign Rasmus Kristensen on loan in Leeds United transfer news

Italian giants AS Roma are in advanced negotiations to sign Leeds United defender Rasmus Kristensen on loan, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

The 2023 beaten Europa League finalists have long been targeting fellow Elland Road defender and Spaniard Diego Llorente, with Fabrizio Romano reporting on 24 June that the final details are set to be discussed on a permanent transfer for the centre-back.

And now it seems Jose Mourinho’s men are about to have their grasp on another Leeds player in Kristensen who only joined the club last summer.

Leeds Live reported on 5 June that the Danish defender wants to stay at Elland Road following Leeds United’s relegation from the Premier League, however, that stance as now changed with Di Marzio [24 June] reporting that a loan agreement is close with the Giallorossi to complete a move to Serie A.

Taking to his personal Twitter account, he tweeted: “AS Roma, advanced negotiations for Kristensen: The player’s ok. An agreement for the loan with Leeds United will be reached in the next few days.”

Wow! What a dramatic turnaround by Kristensen after reportedly giving assurances that he wanted to remain at Elland Road after their disappointing relegation from the Premier League.

The Danish defender was actually one of the few players that pulled his finger out and worked hard in an otherwise disastrous campaign for the Whites where he notched three Premier League goals and an assist in 26 games.

Where this loan transfer leaves Leeds United in the transfer market now, having to find a potential replacement is certainly a worry as they would have had plans for the 25-year-old to remain a key part of the Championship aspirations.

It seems as though the Whites may have to find a desperate replacement now, with youngster and academy product Cody Drameh also set to be walking out the Elland Road doors this summer.

Leeds United cannot rely on Luke Ayling alone to bail them out of the English second division. This new development is a huge blow.