Carlton Palmer believes selling Diego Llorente would not come as a major blow to Leeds United.

The central defender has attracted interest from fellow Premier League clubs despite seeing his first campaign in English football hampered by a string of injuries.

Llorente joined Leeds from Spanish side Real Sociedad for a fee believed to be in the region of £18million last September.

But groin and hamstring problems resulted in Llorente, who was a member of Spain's Euro 2020 squad which reached the semi-finals, being limited to just 15 Premier League appearances.

With three years remaining on his £22,000-per-week contract, Leeds are not in a position where they are under pressure to sell the 27-year-old.

But former England international striker Palmer, who enjoyed a three-year stint with the Yorkshire club during his playing career, would understand Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa being open to Llorente departing within 12 months of switching to Elland Road.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Palmer said: "I think he's a talented player but he has struggled with injury and he must have a decent-sized salary. You'll miss quality players if they leave but they missed him already last season because of his injuries.

"You need players who are going to play 25-30 games a season. He's undoubtedly got quality because he wouldn't be a Spanish international if he didn't.

"It's a blow if he goes but it's a blow anyhow because he's not playing."