Llorente open to January move to Juventus, says agent

The agent of Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente's has made clear that his client is keen on signing for Juventus in the upcoming transfer window.

The Spain international was involved in a heated debate with coach Marcelo Bielsa on Monday and was sent to the changing rooms early and expelled from training.

Llorente was on the verge of signing for Serie A champions Juventus, but the move fell through as the Old Lady were unwilling to meet Bilbao's valuation of the player.

"In the summer he wanted to join Juventus but Athletic Bilbao did not want to sell him for less than his release clause," the agent of the striker explained to Corriere dello Sport.

"Italy in January? Why not? It is a great championship and Fernando would like to play there. Juventus are a great team, but so are Inter, AC Milan, Manchester City and so on. We will see what happens."

Juventus general director Guiseppe Marotta has admitted the forward would be the type of player that the Old Lady would be interested in signing.

"I think he is a top player that every year, regardless of our budget, we try to pursue.

"With regard to the team, it is clear that [Antonio] Conte relies on certain tactical concepts, as well as a number of very versatile players, and Llorente fits this profile."

Nice move.

It would be nice to see if Juve can pair him and Jovetic. But it's pretty unlikely that Juventus will have money for Jovetic in the summer.