Fernando Llorente

[Socrates 8485]

Llorente: Juve must attack Real Madrid

The Spain forward says his side must be proactive if they are to see off
the reigning European champions and secure a place in the Champions League final.

May 2, 2015

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente says his side cannot afford to sit back and defend their way past Real Madrid if they are to reach the Champions League final.

The Old Lady, who can claim their fourth consecutive Scudetto with a point at fifth-placed Sampdoria on Saturday, are on the hunt for their first European title since 1996.

And Spain international Llorente has called on his team-mates to take a proactive approach when they host the reigning European champions in Turin on Tuesday.

"We can't defend forever. We have to attack and we know how to do that," he told AS.

"People are used to winning the league but it's not easy. But the Champions League semi-final gives the season greater importance.

"It's a unique chance for us. Hopefully we can play two great games. We know that Madrid have spectacular players up front. There isn't room for the smallest of errors. You can't give them any space either, because Madrid are lethal."

Joint-top scorers in Serie A with 63 goals in 33 outings this season, Carlos Tevez has once again spearheaded the Juve attack, hitting 20 goals to leave him top of Italy’s scoring charts.

And Llorente says the Argentine's form has been an inspiration to everybody at the club.

"He's in a great run of form. He also has a character that is contagious in the dressing room. He has so much confidence that it rubs off on the rest of the team. He gives us a lot."

Juve and Madrid also met in the semi-finals in 2002-03 edition, when the Italians emerged victorious, while Madrid beat the Italian champions in the final in 1997-98 thanks to a single goal from Predrag Mijatovic.

[Socrates 8485]

Arsenal In Pursuit Of Juventus Striker

May 17, 2015

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to be interested in signing Juventus striker Fernando Llorente this summer.

The Gunners manager has identified the Spaniard as ideal competition for Olivier Giroud up front and with the immanent arrival of Paulo Dybala at Juve, Llorente may find playing time even more hard to come by, making just 24 starts this season.

According to TuttoMercatoweb.com, the 30-year-old is set to leave Turin with the Bianconeri also pushing for a move for PSG forward Edinson Cavani.

Llorente has had decent season notching up nine goals to add to the 18 his scored in his debut season for the Old Lady.

[Socrates 8485]

Why Selling Fernando Llorente Would
Be Good and Bad for Juventus

May 18, 2015

With a fourth consecutive Serie A title already sealed and a place in the finals of both the Coppa Italia and the Champions League secured, 2014-15 has undoubtedly been a remarkable campaign for Juventus. Whatever the result of those two showpiece events, the Bianconeri can reflect upon a season in which they overcame early concerns to achieve results beyond even the most optimistic of dreams.

Yet as summer approaches, the Old Lady and her supporters are already seeking ways to improve upon the achievements of Massimiliano Allegri and his players. Chief among them, of course, is talk of prospective transfers, with discussions of who should be bought or sold never too far from the headlines.

A number of transfer rumours concerning Juventus were analysed in depth by this previous column, but one name not brought up there was that of Fernando Llorente. His future with the club is seemingly in doubt, with John Ashdown of the Guardian believing Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Valencia are all interested in signing him.

Thanks to the Spanish striker’s contributions over his two-year stay in Turin, there are reasons both for and against cutting ties with the 30-year-old, which are looked at in detail below before a conclusion over the best course of action is drawn.


The argument for keeping Llorente

Since arriving from Bilbao on a free transfer in the summer of 2013, Llorente has proved to be an excellent acquisition by director general Beppe Marotta and his team. Brought in to play alongside Carlos Tevez, the Pamplona native forged an excellent partnership with the former Manchester United star in his first season at the club.

Weighing in with 18 goals and five assists in all competitions last term, Llorente registered significant strikes against Real Madrid and showed that he was so much more than a lumbering battering ram up front. He possesses an excellent first touch and is fully capable of holding up play to await support, making him a smart alternative to Alvaro Morata in games when the Bianconeri are expected to have the majority of possession.

While his compatriot is pacey and direct—making him a wonderful option in transition play—Llorente is at his best when Juve dominate, making him vital in Serie A matches against tightly packed defences. The understanding he shares with Stephan Lichtsteiner is second to none, providing the Bianconeri with a reliable weapon in attack that they often exploit thanks to the smart crossing of the Swiss international.

OptaPaolo ✔@OptaPaolo
7 - Stephan Lichtsteiner has delivered 7 assists in Serie A this season; 6 of these were for Fernando Llorente’s goals. Duo.

Llorente has often proved to be a major bonus in the dressing room, ensuring numerous players feel welcome at the club. From guiding youth-team defender Filippo Romagna in training to helping Morata settle in, his influence cannot be understated. Morata told Marca recently (h/t Football Italia):

I’ve been lucky enough to meet someone like Fernando and apart from admiring him as a player, he has helped me in everything and taken care of me.

He brings me to training and drives me, tells me where to eat or shop. We share a room when we’re away. He’s a great guy. He also gives me Italian lessons! I can’t ask for any more.


The argument in favour of a sale

Llorente’s on-field contribution has undoubtedly faded this term, having scored just eight goals in 38 appearances thus far. While he and Morata began the season alternating in the role alongside Tevez, the latter almost always starts the biggest games, which is a decision made on both playing style and form.

Simply put, Llorente has regressed this term, with statistics from Squawka.com showing his shooting accuracy has declined severely, falling from 64 percent in 2013-14 to just 49 percent this term. Similarly, numbers courtesy of WhoScored.com show he is winning less aerial duels (2.1 compared to 2.8), while the accuracy of his passing has dropped to just 70.5 percent.

With various reports—including this one from Gianluca Di Marzio—certain that Paulo Dybala will arrive this summer, Llorente will only fall further down the pecking order. Given that he is one of the club’s top earners, paying a reported salary of €4.5 million a year, as noted by Football Italia, to a fourth-choice striker seems excessive.


Conclusion

It is unlikely Juventus could convince Llorente to take a pay cut in exchange for a longer contract, which would perhaps be the ideal solution. Keeping him around as a veteran presence to guide the likes of Morata, Dybala and Kingsley Coman would be superb, but it appears more and more likely that his future does indeed now lie away from Turin.

According to various sources—including TuttoSport (h/t Football Espana)—the Bianconeri are looking for a fee of around €15 million for the Spanish star, which would be excellent business and allow them to add other reinforcements to an already strong squad. Yet as the win over Real Madrid has shown, important victories take more than just a random collection of talented and expensive stars.

Football is more than just what happens during 90 minutes, and the choice to move away from Llorente is far from simple. Any decision should be taken with caution, as losing him would not only see a talented player leave, but also see Juventus lose an invaluable source of experience and leadership.

Contrary to popular consensus, those qualities are also present in Tevez, meaning ultimately this choice comes down to the future of the Argentinian. If Tevez stays in Turin, selling Llorente at that reported fee would be the right option, but should he move on, "The Lion King" should remain at Juventus.

[Socrates 8485]

'Never expected Juve's perfect season'

May 22, 2015

Fernando Llorente admits nobody at Juventus could have expected such a successful season, whilst discussing the future of Paul Pogba.

With the Serie A and Coppa Italia titles already in the bag, the Bianconeri only need to win the Champions League Final against Barcelona on June 6 to emulate Inter's historic 'triplete' of 2010.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Llorente was asked whether he was expecting these results for his team.

“To be honest, no. None of us could have anticipated this, winning the championship, the Coppa Italia and now playing for the Champions League Final,” replied the Spaniard.

“So far the only regret was that of losing the Italian Supercup to Napoli, otherwise it would have been the perfect season. But let's hope we can culminate our campaign in Berlin against Barca.

“I don't think the three-man defence system we used against Lazio was deployed with a view to playing against Barcelona, but now we must prepare the upcoming game perfectly, because it's going to be extremely hard.

“Whether I get to play in the final is going to be down to the Coach. To be honest, Alvaro [Morata] and [Carlos] Tevez are doing very well and it's going to be tough, but I'll do my best to be ready when the team needs me.”

The 30-year-old was then asked by the Catalan publication about Juve's most prized mercato asset, 22-year-old Paul Pogba.

“I foresee an incredible future for him. He can turn into anything he likes. He's very young and he'll have to refine many things, but he's got the quality.

“An heir to Xavi? You can never tell where he's going to end up. Now he's a Juventus player and let's hope he stays a few more years, because it's a pleasure to play by his side.

“As for myself, I don't think about the future, I'm very happy at Juventus and I still have two years left in my contract.”

[Socrates 8485]

Athletic Club Keen On Bringing Back Llorente

May 27, 2015

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente may be heading back to Spain with former side Athletic Club in the summer.

The 30-year-old Spanish international has endured a difficult campaign on a personal level with the Bianconeri this season, with the towering striker even being replaced by Alvaro Morata in the first eleven in recent months.

El Correo report that Llorente may be heading back to La Liga in the off-season following the arrival of Paulo Dybala, with Sevilla leading the chase.

Athletic however have also entered the race for their former talisman, with coach Ernesto Valverde on the lookout for reinforcements up top, given their first-choice striker Aritz Aduriz is 34 years old.

It remains to be seen how the Athletic fans will react to the news, given the acrimonious circumstances in which Llorente left the club two years ago.

Llorente has netted eight goals in 42 appearances this term for Juventus.

[Socrates 8485]

Llorente Linked With La Liga Return

Jun 8, 2015

Sevilla are interested in taking Juventus striker Fernando Llorente back to La Liga this summer.

The Spaniard, who formerly played in La Liga with Athletic Bilbao, is facing increased competition for places at the Bianconeri after Juventus announced the signing of Paolo Dybala from Palermo.

According to Tuttosport, the Andalusians will tempt Juventus with a bid of around €8 million for the forward, a sum that would result in a healthy profit for the Old Lady as Llorente arrived in Turin as a free-transfer.

Sevilla finished fifth in La Liga, but can provide Llorente with Champions League football courtesy of qualifying for the group stages of next season’s competition due to their second successive Europa League title.

Llorente scored nine goals in 45 appearances as Juventus won both Serie A and the Coppa Italia, before narrowly losing out on a historic treble to Barcelona in the Champions League final.

[Socrates 8485]

Juventus Freeze Talks Over Llorente Future

Jun 13, 2015

Juventus have frozen talks with other clubs over striker Fernando Llorente until Carlos Tevez’s future is dealt with first.

The 30-year-old Spanish international has enjoyed a less than successful second season with the Bianconeri, leading to reports that the Italian champions are prepared to offload him in the summer.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Juventus have delayed accepting any offers for the towering front-man, until the future of Tevez is clarified, with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid and Boca Juniors all possible destinations.

If Tevez does leave the Old Lady, then the club may decide to hold on Llorente for next season to ensure the forward line retains some much needed experience.

Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur are two sides that have been heavily linked with Llorente.

[Socrates 8485]

Llorente Turns Down Monaco Move

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-striker-turns-down-monaco-move/?

 
Jun 17, 2015

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has reportedly turned down a move to Monaco but may still be open to playing elsewhere next season.

The 30-year-old, whose current contract with the Bianconeri is set to expire in June 2017, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Turin giants in recent weeks due to his unfavourable role in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad, though it seems like he’s waiting for an appealing offer to arrive before he’d consider to leave the Old Lady.

According to Tuttosport, the Spaniard recently rejected an offer to play at Monaco, as he has no desire to move to France at the moment, but would be open to playing in the Premier League, with English clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal apparently interested in landing him.

Reports also suggest that the former Athletic Club man would be ready to honour the remaining two years on his Juve deal as well.

Llorente scored seven goals and provided one assist in his 31 Serie A appearances last term.

[Socrates 8485]

Llorente has German options

http://www.football-italia.net/68019/llorente-has-german-options?

 
Jun 19, 2015

Fernando Llorente is due to leave Juventus with Monaco, Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach all potential destinations.

The striker is no longer required in Turin after the arrival of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and most likely also Simone Zaza from Sassuolo.

Monaco are currently the favourites for Llorente’s signature, but the Spaniard is also wanted in Germany.

Both Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg are believed to be interested in signing the striker, according to Sky Sport Italia.

Any money from a transfer will be a bonus for Juve, who picked Llorente up as a free agent when his contract with Athletic Bilbao expired.

[Socrates 8485]

Liverpool eye up Fernando Llorente?

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/transfer-talk/news/liverpool-eye-up-fernando-llorente_229334.html

 
Jun 21, 2015

Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention towards Juventus striker Fernando Llorente after their pursuit of Aston Villa hitman Christian Benteke hit a snag.

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for the Belgian marksman but are said to be unwilling to meet Villa's £32.5m valuation of the 24-year-old.

Consequently, manager Brendan Rodgers has begun to search elsewhere and has identified the Spain international as a plan-B option, according to the Daily Mail.

The Bianconeri's signing of Mario Mandzukic is expected to push the 30-year-old further down the pecking order in Turin, prompting Llorente to leave the club.

His contract with the Italian champions expires in 2017.

[Socrates 8485]

Llorente: ‘I want to stay at Juventus’

http://www.football-italia.net/68131/llorente-%E2%80%98i-want-stay-juventus%E2%80%99?

 
Jun 22, 2015

Fernando Llorente insists he wants to stay at Juventus, but ‘I have to talk to the club and see what they tell me’.

The Spanish striker has been linked with a move away from Turin, with Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza almost certain to arrive, potentially limiting his playing time.

“Right now my intention is to stay at Juve,” Llorente told Mediaset.

“I’ll have to talk to the club and see what they tell me. Monaco? I don’t know anything about that, I’ve just got married so I’m going on my honeymoon.

“Tevez? Let’s see if he’ll go, if he does everyone will be sorry, because he’s a great guy and a great striker.

“There will be a lot of changes, we’ll see what happens.”

[Socrates 8485]

Liverpool Emerge As Contenders For Llorente

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/liverpool-emerge-as-contenders-for-juventus-striker/?

 
Jun 22, 2015

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente is reportedly wanted by Premier League side Liverpool.

The Bianconeri have signed Mario Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid which has called into question the future of Llorente, who has been linked to Wolfsburg, Borussia Moenchengladbach and Fenerbahçe.

Now, according to CalcioNews24.com, Liverpool have emerged as contenders for Llorente’s signature along with Monaco, who remain favourites having offered €15 million for the 30-year-old Spaniard.

The Reds are likely to lose the services of Rahim Sterling this summer, and are also keen to move Mario Balotelli onto pastures new, following his disastrous move from AC Milan last summer.

In addition to the arrival of Paulo Dybala, Llorente’s playing time at the Juventus Stadium is likely to be little, and thus the Bianconeri are open to selling.

Llorente made 31 Serie A appearances last season, bagging just seven goals and one assist.

[Socrates 8485]

Fernando Llorente unaware of Liverpool and Monaco interest

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2501988/juventus-fernando-llorente-unaware-of-liverpool-interest?

 
Jun 23, 2015

Fernando Llorente has said he is planning to stay at Juventus and knows nothing about reported interest from Liverpool and Monaco.

Llorente found himself competing for playing time with Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata last season as Juve won Serie A and the Coppa Italia as well as reaching the Champions League final.

Although Tevez appears set to join Boca Juniors this summer, the Italian champions have already bolstered their attacking options with deals to sign Paulo Dybala from Palermo and Mario Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid, but Llorente has no plans to move on.

The Spain international told Mediaset Premium: "My intention right now is to stay.

"I need to talk with the club, and see what they say too. For sure there are many changes, but let's hope we can continue to do as well as we have been doing in recent years. If Tevez does leave, I will be sorry as he is a great man and a great striker."

Liverpool, who had expressed an interest in signing Llorente before he left Athletic Bilbao, and Monaco have been linked.

However, the striker said: "I don't know anything about that -- I've just got married, I am leaving for my honeymoon and am not thinking about anything else."

[Socrates 8485]

Tottenham Hotspur Move Ahead Of Valencia In Race For Llorente

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/tottenham-hotspur-move-ahead-of-valencia-in-race-for-juventus-striker/?

 
Jun 28, 2015

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be battling Valencia for Juventus striker Fernando Llorente.

The Bianconeri frontman could be on his way out of the Juventus Stadium after the arrivals of Simone Zaza, Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic at the club.

According to Tuttosport, Valencia were favourites for the 30-year-old Spaniard, but Tottenham have now made contact with the player’s entourage as they seek to complete a deal for the striker.

It is thought that Juventus are looking for around €12 million for Llorente, as Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe also monitor the situation.

Llorente made 31 Serie A appearances last season, scoring seven goals, as Juve completed a domestic double of Scudetto and Coppa Italia.

[Socrates 8485]

Juventus Ponder Player Exchange
With Tottenham Hotspur

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-ponder-player-exchange-with-tottenham-hotspur/?

 
Jun 30, 2015

Juventus could add striker Fernando Llorente to a deal which would bring Tottenham Hotspur’s Erik Lamela to Serie A.

The Bianconeri frontman looks set to leave the Juventus Stadium following the acquisitions of Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Simone Zaza by the club, while coach Massimiliano Allegri is looking to add a more creative forward to his forward line.

With Tottenham said to be interested in Llorente, Sky Sport Italia have suggested that Juve could add cash plus the 30-year-old Spaniard in a bid to snatch Lamela from the Premier League side.

Lamela has endured a tough time since his €30 million move from Roma to Spurs in 2013, and managed just six goals in 45 appearances last season. Meanwhile, Llorente bagged seven goals in 31 Serie A games.

[Socrates 8485]

Llorente offered to Milan?

http://www.football-italia.net/68536/llorente-offered-milan?

 
Jul 1, 2015

Reports suggest that Juventus striker Fernando Llorente’s representatives have offered the player to Milan.

Tuttosport believe that the 30-year-old has been looking for a way out from the Old Lady, despite having two years remaining on his €4.5m per season deal in Turin.

The newspaper reports that the Spaniard is looking to play with more continuity after losing his place last season to compatriot Alvaro Morata, and that Milan were approached by his representatives.

Milan were reportedly encouraging of the suggestion, but have opted not to progress further at the moment as their attention is focused on re-signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Wolfsburg, Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be amongst the other clubs considering a move for the striker, who scored 7 Serie A goals last season.

[Socrates 8485]

Benitez Wants Llorente At Real Madrid

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/benitez-wants-juventus-striker-at-real-madrid/?

 
Jul 1, 2015

Real Madrid have reportedly declared their interest in Juventus striker Fernando Llorente.

The Spaniard is considered expendable following the emergence of fellow countryman Alvaro Morata, as well as the recent arrivals of Mario Mandzukic, Simone Zaza and Paulo Dybala.

La Sexta reports that new Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has requested the signing of Llorente as he seeks depth at the centre-forward position given that Karim Benzema is the only true no.9 currently in the squad.

The Spanish international is also thought to be a target for Liverpool but a return to his homeland is likely to be his preferred option.

Llorente, a product of Athletic Bilbao’s youth system, spent eight seasons in the first team and scored 85 goals for the Basque club.

The 30-year-old moved to Juventus in 2013 and struck sixteen goals in his first season, but added only seven in 2014/15, as his playing time decreased due to the successful strike partnership of Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata.

[Socrates 8485]

Real Madrid Lead The Chase For Llorente

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/real-madrid-lead-the-chase-for-juventus-striker/?

 
Jul 3, 2015

Real Madrid are interested in landing Juventus striker Fernando Llorente during the summer transfer window.

Following the signings of Mario Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid and Paulo Dybala from Palermo, the future of Llorente at Juventus is reported to be unclear.

According to Tuttosport, Real Madrid new coach Rafael Benitez is interested in signing Llorente, who has rejected offers from Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur recently.

In turn, the Bianconeri are said to be interested in Los Blancos forward Isco.

However, the former Malaga man’s release clause of €150 million combined with Madrid’s reluctance to sell shrinks the hopes of the Champions League runners-up.

[Socrates 8485]

Llorente To Ignite Liverpool Interest

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/juventus-striker-to-become-new-liverpool-target/?

 
Jul 4, 2015

English Premier League heavyweights Liverpool are set to turn their attention towards Juventus forward Fernando Llorente as they have seemingly been priced out of contention for the signature of Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke.

The Spaniard could find playing time difficult to come by next season as the Bianconeri have added the likes of Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic to their squad. With Alvaro Morata already a favorite with fans, Llorente may feel his future lies away from Turin.

According to the Daily Mail, the Anfield side have been put off Benteke due to his massive €45 million transfer release clause. With Villa unwilling to budge on the price, manager Brendan Rodgers is now looking to negotiate the possibility of a move for Llorente with the Serie A champions.

The former Athletic Bilbao star, who joined Juve in 2013, has featured in 65 league matches so far and scored 23 goals for the Italian outfit.

[Socrates 8485]

Porto To Hijack Tottenham Hotspur Move For Llorente

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/porto-to-hijack-tottenham-hotspur-move-for-juventus-striker/?

 
Jul 9, 2015

Porto have entered the race to sign Fernando Llorente as Tottenham Hotspur look set to affirm their interest in the player by submitting a bid of €13 million to Juventus for his services.

Llorente has fallen down the pecking order under coach Massimiliano Allegri and has been rumoured to leave the Bianconeri since the end of last season.

The 30-year-old had been mooted for a return to La Liga with Spanish giants Real Madrid; but after Los Blancos ended their interest in the former Athletic Club forward, Tottenham Hotspur have been fighting off competition from Monaco in order to take the Spaniard to North London according to O Jogo.

However, Portuguese giants Porto are attempting to hijack Spurs’ move for Llorente, as they look to find a replacement for Colombian hitman Jackson Martinez who has joined Atletico Madrid.

Llorente joined Juventus on a free transfer from La Liga side Athletic Club in 2013.

[Socrates 8485]

Fernando Llorente could make
move from Juventus, says agent

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2518621/fernando-llorente-could-move-from-juventus-says-agent?

 
Jul 10, 2015

Fernando Llorente's brother and agent has not ruled out a move away from Juventus for the forward this summer.

Llorente was Juve's third-choice striker last season, with Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez Massimiliano Allegri's key men in attack.

Although Tevez left to join Boca Juniors earlier in the summer, the Serie A champions have since added to their attack by signing Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Simone Zaza.

Llorente's brother Jesus Llorente told Portuguese paper O Jogo: "Fernando wants to be playing regularly so that he doesn't lose his place in the Spain national team. Nothing can be excluded."

Porto are believed to be keen on signing the 30-year-old, who scored seven times in 31 Serie A appearances last season.

But they could face competition for his services from Sevilla, whose coach Unai Emery told Il Corriere dello Sport he was "a top player."

Llorente, who joined Juventus on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao two years ago, is valued at around €10 million.

[Socrates 8485]

Barcelona Join Battle For Juventus Striker

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/barcelona-join-battle-for-juventus-striker/?

 
Jul 11, 2015

Reigning European champions Barcelona appear to have joined Real Madrid, Monaco and Porto in the race to sign out-of-favour Juventus striker Fernando Llorente this summer.

The Spaniard moved to the Bianconeri from Athletic Bilbao in 2013 to strike up an important partnership with Carlos Tevez, however, Alvaro Morata took up that mantle last season and Mario Mandzukic’s arrival looks to have pushed him further down the pecking order.

The La Liga champions’ interest in the 30-year-old appears to have only come to light recently, however, Il Giornale believe that discussions took place when the Catalonians visited Turin to negotiate a deal for teammate Paul Pogba.

After netting 16 times during his first season in Serie A, Llorente was far less prolific during the last campaign, scoring just seven times in 31 appearances.

[Socrates 8485]

Reds Have Company in Llorente Chase

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2520626-liverpool-transfer-news-latest-fernando-llorente-and-pedro-rumours?

 
Jul 11, 2015

Liverpool may have to explore other alternatives aside from Fernando Llorente this summer if they are to bolster their striker options, with reports claiming the Reds will face major competition to sign the Juventus star.

That’s according to Corriere dello Sport (h/t the Daily Telegraph) who claim that as well as the Anfield outfit, Porto, Sevilla and Monaco are also interested in the 30-year-old. The piece states that the Bianconeri want a fee of circa €20 million for the Spanish international but “will probably let him go for less” because of their forward options and the player's age.

Things haven’t worked out too well for Llorente since leaving Athletic Club for the Serie A champions. He’s done a decent job for Juve, but the striker has never quite been able to push on to the next level during his time in Turin.

With Paulo Dybala and Mario Madzukic drafted in, the chances of Llorente getting regular game time now look unlikely. But would he be the right striker for a Liverpool side that had perennial problems with their centre-forward positions last season? At first glance, probably not.

Nonetheless, Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe thinks he’d be an ideal fit for the Premier League:

Sam Tighe ✔@stighefootball
I think Fernando Llorente is attainable for a club like #THFC. Juve stacked w/ STs and his wages won't be too heavy. £60k p/w is normal.

Indeed, Llorente is an elegant target man, possessing refined hold-up skills, marvellous aerial ability and a nose for goals. His burly somatotype would be difficult for defenders in English football to deal with, and given the rumbustious manner in which he plays the game, the Spaniard would have no problem adapting to the division’s often abrasive nature.

But with players like Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino in the team next season, the Reds need a striker who will stretch the opposition and enhance their intricate talents. In the right setup, Llorente would be a brilliant acquisition, but the Reds need a different type of forward at the moment.

[Socrates 8485]

Tottenham Hotspur Make An Offer For Llorente

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/tottenham-hotspur-make-an-offer-for-juventus-striker/?

 
Jul 12, 2015

Juventus have received a bid from English club Tottenham Hotspur for Fernando Llorente.

The 30-year-old Spanish centre-forward has become surplus to requirements in Turin since the Bianconeri added Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza to their attack this summer.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Spurs have made a bid of €15.3 million for Llorente, bettering an offer made by Portuguese giants Porto.

Llorente will have to decide whether he will make a move to the Premier League or if he will wait for an offer to return to Spain.

The Spanish international arrived at Juventus in 2013 on a free transfer and he has scored 23 Serie A goals in 65 games. Llorente scored 16 goals in 34 Serie A matches in 2013-14 but last season lost his place in the Juventus starting line-up to compatriot Alvaro Morata.

[Socrates 8485]

Liverpool And Real Madrid Join Chase For Llorente

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/liverpool-and-real-madrid-join-chase-for-juventus-striker/?

 
Jul 15, 2015

Liverpool and Real Madrid would both be chasing Juventus’ Spanish striker Fernando Llorente.

The striker has been deemed surplus to requirements, after the Turin club brought Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala to compensate for the departure of Carlos Tevez.

According to Sky Sport Italia, new Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez would be keen on the 30-year-old striker. Joining the race would be Liverpool, who have also been in the hunt for a new striker.

TuttoSport also reported the added caveat of Porto, whose left-back Alex Sandro Juventus would interested in. The Portuguese giants have slapped a €15 million price tag on the Brazilian, with Juventus possibly including Llorente as part of the deal to lure away the defender.

Llorente made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Bianconeri last season, however only scoring nine goals and making one assist.