Always-improving Diego Llorente joins Leeds United at 'perfect' point in his career says Victor Orta

Director of football Victor Orta says Llorente's set of skills make the £18m centre-half an ideal addition to Marcelo Bielsa's side but a rare find.

“We are really happy,” said Orta after signing the 27-year-old from Real Sociedad earlier today.

“Our target to sign players with the characteristics to suit the team in the position of a central defender requires elements like distribution accuracy, good rhythm of play and pace, which is really difficult to find.

“With Diego we have found all of these characteristics and most importantly we managed to find availability in the market. In the last two windows Diego was in high demand and received some big offers, but Real Sociedad not to sell. He stayed there until the end of the season and now the situation occurred where we have managed to do the deal which is perfect for us."

Orta has long admired the defender and believes his career to date shows a proven ability to keep getting better. That, and his age, make him a satisfying signing for Leeds' recruitment supremo.

“One thing I have always detected from him since he was at Real Madrid is that he is always progressing, impressing on loan at Real Vallecano and Malaga and again at an even higher level with Real Sociedad," said Orta.

“At 27, he is arguably at the perfect performance level to play football. For a defender at this age you know your job, you are not really old or really young and for me this is the perfect for the position of centre-back."

Llorente becomes the second senior international centre-half to arrive at Elland Road this summer, following the £12m capture of German defender Robin Koch.

“With the arrivals of both Diego and Robin Koch we are very pleased," added Orta.

“The prices of transfers for this level of internationals can be really difficult, but we have taken advantage of the opportunity within the market.”