LEEDS United centre-back Diego Llorente has joined Roma on loan until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent deal.

It was a busy last couple of days of the January transfer window for Jesse Marsch's side.

Having signed defender Max Wober from Red Bull Salzburg and striker Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim earlier in the month, they added USA international Weston McKennie on Monday evening, the midfielder coming in on loan from Juventus, with a view to a permanent move.

They also snapped up 18-year-old centre-back Diogo Monteiro from Swiss Super League side Servette FC.

The Portugal youth international has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract at Elland Road, and will initially join up with Michael Skubala’s Under-21 squad at the club.

But with one centre-back coming in, another one departed, with Llorente's move to Serie A confirmed by Leeds last night.

He started Leeds' first six Premier League games this season, but lost his place after their dreadful 5-2 defeat at Brentford in September.

The 29-year-old only featured in two top-flight games after that, starting in a 2-0 loss at Leicester City in October and coming on as as substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in December.

The Spanish defender played 59 games for Leeds in total, scoring four times, and he helped them to finish ninth in their first season back in the top flight for 16 years in 2020/21.

Though he still officially plays for the West Yorkshire club, Llorente is expected to sign permanently for Jose Mourinho's Roma side at the end of the season.