Fernando Llorente has revealed to the Spanish media he is open to quitting Tottenham in the January window.
Speaking to programme El Larguero, as quoted by publication Mundo Deportivo, the Spurs striker admitted he is keen to return to former club Athletic Bilbao.
Llorente has been a fringe player since joining Tottenham from Swansea City in the summer of 2017 but was a substitute in his club’s memorable clash against Barcelona on Tuesday night.
Asked about the possibility of re-signing for Athletic, Llorente told El Larguero: “If I have the opportunity and they come to talk to me, probably, yes, is the truth.”
“Come back now or in summer? I do not know. It does not depend on me. To go out in the winter market they would have to talk to [Daniel] Levy and I cannot do anything.”
OPINION
Llorente still has plenty to offer at the highest level, but he is unlikely to be anything other than a bit-part player for the remainder of the campaign at Tottenham. As the 33-year-old points out, he is contracted to Spurs for the rest of the season and any potential buyer must negotiate a deal with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. Tottenham are likely to demand a fee of around £4million for Llorente next month, which makes a deal problematic for clubs knowing they could get the former Spain international for nothing next summer. That said, the giant striker has an excellent track record, in three major leagues – the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A. His aerial prowess, technical ability and eye for goal make him an attractive proposition for many clubs looking for a major boost in the second half of the campaign. Mauricio Pochettino is likely to sanction the exit of Llorente, who is behind Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min and Lucas Moura for the centre-forward role.