Athletic Bilbao hitman Fernando Llorente says he may opt for a Premier League switch come the end of his contract in June. Llorente nicknamed El Rey Leon ( The Lion King ) finished the 2011/2012 season as the Liga BBVA’s top spanish scorer with 17 goals.
In August it was reported that the Bilbao number 9 had refused to sign a new contract and consequently fallen out with Athletic bosses , starting speculation that he was prepared to leave the club. Its been reported that Arsenal , Tottenham and Manchester City are all interested in the 27 year old Spanish international with him expressing an interest in a premier league switch earlier in the week.
“I really like the Premier League and I’ve mentioned on more than one occasion that it’s a league which appeals to me a lot,” Llorente said.
“You never know. It’s one good option in terms of my future but we’ll have to wait until the end of the season to see what happens.
“It is true that we are approaching the date when I can sign for other clubs.
Llorente has also fallen out of favour with Athletic manager Marcelo Beisla having turned down a contract extension in the summer , and has only started one league game this campaign.
“I made the decision at the start of the season,” Llorente said.
“We were playing a Europa League qualification game at San Mames and I noticed a significant deterioration in the relationship between the fans and me due to my protracted contract negotiations.”
Jordan Ludlow