Leeds United set for surprise financial boost as club 'raise possibility' of permanent exit for £10m man

Leeds United could be set to receive a surprise financial boost with reports in Spain suggesting Real Betis are keen to sign Marc Roca permanently, despite already having the option of another loan deal.

Roca was one of several players to force an exit from Elland Road last summer, triggering a loan clause in his contract that became active following United’s relegation to the Championship. The 27-year-old joined Betis last July and impressed back in his home country, playing 32 times across La Liga and the Europa League.

Reports have long suggested Roca will remain at Betis and after Leeds lost the play-off final against Southampton, it was thought the midfielder could re-activate his loan clause to spend another year in Seville. Spanish outlet Marca claims that clause is present but adds that the ‘intention’ of Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo is to tie the Leeds man down to a long-term, permanent deal.

The report adds that during ‘conversations’ with Leeds over the finer details of another loan season, Betis have ‘raised the possibility’ of a permanent deal, with the Spanish side keen on keeping the technical midfielder for the long-term and seeing no need for another temporary spell. Such a deal will only work, however, if both clubs can agree on a fee and the option for another 12-month loan spell remains as back-up.

There is no suggestion of how much Betis might be willing to pay, but with the safety net of another loan spell, it might be that they sense an opportunity to drive the price down. How low Leeds would be willing to go remains to be seen but there is hope that most, if not all, of the £10m outlay can be recouped.

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Roca is currently away on holiday, having played the full 90 minutes during Betis’ final game of the season at the end of May - a 0-0 draw at champions Real Madrid. Manager Manuel Pellegrini will welcome his players back for pre-season on July 8 and there is hope that a decision will have been made by that point. For his part, Roca has made no secret of his desire to stay in Spain.

"I have always said that I am happy at Betis," he told ABC Sevilla in April. "How the fans have treated me is incredible. Also from my teammates, from the staff... I think I’m having a very good season. That's what I focus on. In the end it is up to my representative, the sports management, Betis, Leeds and God.”

Leeds are expected to make decisions on those who left on loan last summer, albeit the club are in a stronger position when it comes to managing exits, whether it be on loan or permanently. Brenden Aaronson has already chosen to fight for promotion at Elland Road, following positive talks with Daniel Farke.

Everton have confirmed they remain in talks regarding the future of Jack Harrison but it is unclear whether they can activate another loan deal or if it will have to be a permanent move. The futures of Diego Llorente, Max Wober, Rasmus Kristensen and Roca remain uncertain.