Diego Llorente and Robin Koch were reportedly absent from Leeds United’s first day of pre-season training as they close in on moves away from Elland Road. According to a report by the Athletic, the defensive pair were absent from the first day of testing at Leeds Beckett University, with the pair thought to be closing in on moves away.
A host of Whites first-team members returned to West Yorkshire this morning to undergo tests and medical examinations before preparations step up with a return to the Thorp Arch turf on Tuesday. Those that weren't involved in international action were due in and they were joined by club captain Liam Cooper, who despite his exploits with Scotland returned to training a week early.
However, the report claims Llorente and Koch were notable absentees, with moves thought to be in the offing. Koch has been linked to a host of clubs throughout the summer, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United being amongst those mentioned alongside the German’s name.
It seems as though the centre-back is on the verge of joining Eintracht Frankfurt, though, on an initial loan deal. Llorente is also close to re-joining Roma, where he spent the second half of last season on loan.
Read more: Leeds United set pre-season scene as Championship preparations step up
That one has been on the cards for some time, with Roma and Leeds working on a deal that would see the Spaniard return to the Italian capital for a second loan spell. Llorente caught the eye with his performances in a Roma shirt last season and Jose Mourinho is thought to be keen on securing his return.
Brenden Aaronson, who was initially linked with a switch to Fulham, appears to be edging towards a move to Union Berlin. The American wasn’t due to be at Leeds Beckett this morning due to his exploits with the national team last month, but it seems his exit could be sanctioned with a move to the Bundesliga on the cards.
Union Berlin qualified for the Champions League by finishing fourth in German top flight last season and Aaronson would no doubt be hoping a loan move can help him get his career back on track. The news comes following reports of Marc Roca’s loan move to Real Betis being close to completion. The Whites have also allowed Tyler Roberts and Alfie McCalmont leave this summer.
