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Bilbao on ‘full offensive’ to resign Llorente

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Athletic Bilbao are willing to pursue a ‘full offensive’ to re-sign Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente, according to El Correo.

The 33-year-old left the Basque club in 2013 to join Juventus, but the Spanish outlet understands that his former side are dead set on securing a deal to bring him back to the San Mames Stadium.

Bilbao famously only field or sign players who were born in the Basque country, or who came through the ranks at a club based in the region – criteria that the 6ft 4in striker qualifies for.

Llorente has only featured 12 times in all competitions this season, starting just once in the FA Cup rout of Tranmere Rovers last weekend.

Good move for Tottenham?

At the moment, the reality of the situation is that Llorente brings very little to the Spurs squad and is probably surplus to requirements. With Harry Kane fit and firing it’s hard to see any way that he could force his way into the starting lineup, and even if Kane was to pick up an injury, Llorente’s style of play doesn’t seem like the most natural fit for this Tottenham side. Moving him on would free up funds and squad space to pursue other targets more suited to Mauricio Pochettino’s side, and would also give the player a homecoming swan song for a fine career.

This is Futbol rating: 9/10

Likely to happen?

There’s no logical reason as to why Spurs would keep hold of Llorente, and if Bilbao are as keen as reports are suggesting then there’s nothing to stop this move from happening. Presumably Spurs wouldn’t demand a ransom for the player, it’s hard to see him choosing London over a return to his home country. Even if it doesn’t go ahead this month, there’s every reason to believe it could be done deal come the summer.

This is Futbol rating: 8/10

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