Roma warms to keeping Leeds defender Llorente

Leeds defender Diego Llorente is playing his way to a permanent deal with Roma.

Llorente joined Roma on-loan in January and after a slow start, is now impressing for the Giallorossi.

The Spain international won praise from coach Jose Mourinho after victory over Sampdoria and now Roma are warming to keeping him long-term, says La Gazzetta dello Sport.

However, any deal will depend on Leeds dropping the current 18m permanent option in the deal.

After the Samp win, Llorente was asked if he wished to remain in Rome.

"Yes, when Mourinho called me it was easy to say yes. We'll see at the end of the season," he said.