Tottenham transfers: Fernando Llorente set to leave Bilbao on a free

Tottenham are among the Premier League clubs to have been put on alert after Fernando Llorente confirmed he is to leave Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer next summer.

The 27-year-old striker has rejected Bilbao’s offer of a new deal and insisted his decision to quit the club was not to do with money.

Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Arsenal are all understood to be keen admirers of the Spaniard, who has netted 115 goals in 310 games for the La Liga side.

“Yes, I’m leaving on June 30,” said Llorente. “I want to try other things. I made [my decision] when I played my first match at San Mames in the Europa League.

“Let it be clearly stated – it is not an economic issue. Athletic’s offer was irresistible.

“The press has not really helped my renewal. It is one of the reasons that bad feeling has been generated towards me on the field [from the fans], and that’s what has prompted me to not renew. That, along with many other things.

“You [the media] have not helped because most of what has come out in the press has been lies, but people have tipped the balance against me.

“That has come out on the field, with people blowing their whistles. It is [only] a section that wants me out, I respect that. I feel loved by most of the Athletic fans.”

Open a bet365 account with £10 or more and you'll get a free bet of up to £200 on us. Click here for more information.

Like The Sport Review on Facebook:

Read more on: athletic bilbao, fernando llorente, Football transfers, La Liga, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur.