Juventus seal deal for Llorente

24 January 2013 12:37
Italian giants Juventus have announced that they have reached an agreement to sign Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente this summer.

The Spain international was expected to make a move to Italy, with Juve having led the hunt for his signature. There was, however, a period where discussions appeared to go quiet, sparking speculation that Llorente could still be lured to England - with a number of Premier League sides said to be keen. London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham appeared most keen, but Manchester United and Chelsea had also been credited with an interest in him. Discussions with Juve have produced a positive outcome, though, and Llorente is set to link up with the Serie A champions as a free agent when his contract at Bilbao expires in the summer.

"The future of Llorente is black and white," read a statement on Juve's official website.

"The Spain international, who will soon be out of contract at Athletic Bilbao, has signed an agreement that will bind him to Juventus from 1 July 2013. The contract, for a period of four years, will expire 30 June 2017. "Until the end of this season the striker will continue to play for Athletic Bilbao."

Source: team_talk