Football: Juventus begin Llorente negotiations

The powerful striker has been linked with a host of clubs in Europe since last summer.

A statement from Athletic Bilbao yesterday stated that Italian giants Juventus have begun negotiations over signing Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, according to Football Italia. The powerful striker, whose only club to date is Athletic Bilbao, has been linked with a host of clubs in Europe since last summer. Juventus, or any other non-Spanish side, was free to begin talking with Llorente from January 1, 2013 and the Serie A leaders are likely to be an attractive proposition. Llorente has struggled this term due to contract issues with the club, scoring just one goal in 10 appearances. The 27-year-old target man had previously hit double figures in the previous five seasons. Rumours in the English press had linked Llorente with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City but it would now be a surprise if the deal to Juventus was not completed.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2013.