The Serie A champions are in pole position to land the out of favour striker after opening talks with Athletic Madrid
Tottenham and Liverpool look set to miss out on Fernando Llorente
after Athletic Bilbao confirmed the striker had opened talks with
Juventus.
Llorente has fallen out of favour with the Spanish side after refusing to sign a new contract and stating he would leave at the end of the season when his current deal expires.
Despite scoring 24 goals last season as Athletic reached the Europa League final and finished 10th in La Liga, the Spain international has only played in 16 games this term, mostly coming on as a substitute, and netting two goals.
Several Premier League clubs including Spurs, City and Arsenal had been linked with the 27-year-old but it seems that the Italian giants are now in pole position for his signature.
His lack of playing time and goals has not deterred the Serie A champions who are currently on course to retain their league title after opening up an eight-point lead.
"Juventus Football Club informed Athletic Club on January 3 that, knowing Fernando Llorente will end his stint at our club on June 30, 2013, they will begin negotiations with the player to incorporate him into their squad," the statement read.
Llorente has fallen out of favour with the Spanish side after refusing to sign a new contract and stating he would leave at the end of the season when his current deal expires.
Despite scoring 24 goals last season as Athletic reached the Europa League final and finished 10th in La Liga, the Spain international has only played in 16 games this term, mostly coming on as a substitute, and netting two goals.
Several Premier League clubs including Spurs, City and Arsenal had been linked with the 27-year-old but it seems that the Italian giants are now in pole position for his signature.
His lack of playing time and goals has not deterred the Serie A champions who are currently on course to retain their league title after opening up an eight-point lead.
"Juventus Football Club informed Athletic Club on January 3 that, knowing Fernando Llorente will end his stint at our club on June 30, 2013, they will begin negotiations with the player to incorporate him into their squad," the statement read.
Source : Mirror.co.uk
