Athletic confirm Juve-Llorente talks

Athletic Bilbao have confirmed that Juventus are entering into talks with their striker Fernando Llorente over a Bosman move next summer.

The Spain international is leaving the Basque Country outfit at the end of the season after failing to agree to extend his contract beyond its June 2013 expiry.

Athletic have today taken the unusual step of confirming in an official statement that the player, who is now free to talk to other clubs over a summer move, will be opening negotiations with Juventus.

“Juventus Football Club has reported on January 3, 2013, to Athletic Club, knowing that Fernando Llorente is ending his time at our club on June 30, 2013, that they will enter into negotiations with the player to incorporate him into their side,” read the posting published today.

Llorente has otherwise been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, but drew increased speculation this week of interest from the Bianconeri when he was pictured with a group of youth players from the club during a tournament held in Tenerife, where he was holidaying.

Tags Juventus Llorente
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