Diego Llorente transfer: Do Aston Villa need another centre-back? Whisper+ verdict

Latest developments

• Aston Villa are keen to sign Diego Llorente from Real Betis in January.
• The centre-back only joined the Spanish side in the summer from Leeds United.
• Unai Emery could be losing one or two players in the winter window.

Whisper+ analysis

Authenticity (4/5): Named source has worked with top clubs

Real Betis central defender Diego Llorente is on Aston Villa's transfer shortlist for the January window as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of a busy second half of the season, with UEFA Champions League knockout ties on the horizon.

That is the news from footballinsider247.com, who name the club's former scout, Mick Brown, as their source. Brown is known to still be working closely with top clubs, giving this rumour plenty of credibility.

Value (4/5): Betis can turn a quick profit

Having bought him for €20 million in 2020, Leeds sold Llorente to Betis in the summer for just €3.25 million after he spent last year on loan at Roma.

Llorente has started every league game this season, and has made 17 appearances in total, quickly becoming integral to the Seville side's back line. They will not want to let him go easily, but with his current value at €7 million, a fee in the region of €10 million could be good business for both the buying a selling clubs.

Suitability (4/5): Llorente ticks boxes for this Villa season

In Llorente, Villa would be acquiring a player with Premier League experience, 10 caps for Spain and someone who went deep into a European run just last season.

Strong in the air, the 31-year-old can add plenty of solidity for a manager who knows him from their mutual time in Spain.

Upgrade? (3/5): Do Villa need another centre back?

Tyrone Mings' return to fitness took the Villans' available centre-back options to five, with Pau Torres, Diego Carlos, Ezri Konsa and Lamare Bogarde fighting for game time.

With that in mind, it looks as if Llorente would be a good rotation option when the fixture schedule gets hectic, but with Aston Villa reportedly allowing Diego Carlos to leave in January, there could be a space for Llorente to fill.

Logic (2/5): Does Llorente want England return?

An important player at his new club back in his homeland, is the timing right for another move so soon? Champions League football is a bonus, but Llorente never really hit the heights at Leeds, so would a return to England make that much sense?

Whisper+ verdict: 18/25

An experienced international available at a good price could be a perfect fit for the Villa defence which has gone off the boil recently.

The only downside is it will need an incredibly enticing offer to lure Llorente back to England.