• Premier League

Llorente claims Liverpool wanted him

ESPNsoccernet staff
February 4, 2011
Fernando Llorente has shown an excellent eye for goal © Getty Images
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Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has confirmed Liverpool attempted to sign him during the January transfer window.

Liverpool presented new £35 million striker Andy Carroll to the press on Thursday, with the former Newcastle man arriving at Anfield as a replacement for Fernando Torres, who joined Chelsea in a £50 million move.

However, it appears Liverpool had a number of potential options in mind when searching for a new target man, including Llorente, who has enjoyed an excellent 12 months for club and country.

After winning the World Cup with Spain, the 25-year-old has scored 12 goals in 21 La Liga games this season and also attracted interest from Tottenham at the end of January. However, he has revealed that it was Liverpool who made official contact regarding a possible transfer.

"Representatives from Liverpool arrived in Bilbao and had talks with the leadership of our club, but obviously I did not want to be put on the transfer list. So to talk about this any longer makes no sense," Llorente told Marca.

"I understand the fans of Athletic who don't like talk of clubs that are interested in me, but it shows that I'm doing my job well. At the moment my football future is associated with Athletic."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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