Orta’s £10m signing ‘very’ keen on Leeds exit as club show interest again
Marc Roca is keen on a return to La Liga with Real Betis as Leeds United face up to the prospect of relegation from the Premier League next weekend.
That is according to Estadio Deportivo; the Andalusian-based publication allegedly getting in touch with Marc Roca’s representatives in order to canvass his opinion regarding a potential move to a long-time admirer.
The former Espanyol youngster reportedly came close to joining Real Betis a year ago. That was until financial issues scuppered Manuel Pellegrini’s hopes; Leeds United instead snatching the £10 million signing from under Betis noses.
But, with Sam Allardyce’s side now just 90 minutes away from a return to the dreaded Championship, Roca is one of those potentially most likely to leap into the lifeboats, even if he – like many of Victor Orta’s recent signings – must shoulder some of the blame following a season of serious underperformance at Elland Road.
Is Marc Roca leaving Leeds United after just one season?
Roca has been a major disappointment; the ineffective displays of both he and midfield partner Weston McKennie making a mockery of CV’s boasting such stellar names as Bayern Munich and Juventus.
Estadio Deportivo claim to have got in touch with Roca’s camp. The Catalan-born 26-year-old is allegedly ‘very’ interested by a potential switch to the Estadio Benito Villamarin; his representatives ‘admitting’ that Betis have carried out enquiries regarding Roca’s availability.
There are currently no negotiations underway. That could soon change, however; Roca’s £50,000-a-week salary making him one of the highest earners at Leeds. The Yorkshire giants may be keen to cut their losses as they prepare reluctantly for life back in the EFL.
Roca even admitted, a few weeks ago, that he would be open to a return to Spain.
Rodrigo Moreno, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Illan Meslier are among those also likely to attract admiring glances from elsewhere. The good news, at least, is that Wilfried Gnonto – a bright spark in a dark season – appears committed to life at Elland Road.
“We’ve all always believed in Willy’s qualities,” says Gnonto’s agent. “He’s very happy there and I think he’ll stay there. His path is there.”
“I never had any doubts that he would have do well abroad. First in Switzerland, and then at Leeds. The club is delighted with his performances. We will probably meet with the club to discuss a possible (contract) extension.
“There will be no problems.”
