Llorente denies Juve deal

Athletic Bilbao outcast Fernando Llorente declared it is “totally untrue” that he has agreed a move to Juventus, as his options are open ahead of the January transfer window.

The World Cup winning striker has refused to sign a new contract and will be a free agent in June, meaning he can begin negotiations from next month.

“It is true that we are approaching the date when I can sign for other clubs,” Llorente told Sky Sports.

“I'm trying to keep it so that it is something which is managed by my brother and my representatives. That leaves me to focus in my football and help my team, Athletic, and nothing else, maintain focus.

“I really like the Premier League and I've mentioned on more than one occasion that it's a league which appeals to me a lot.

“You never know. It's one good option in terms of my future but we'll have to wait until the end of the season to see what happens.”

So far the favourites to sign Llorente have been Juventus, including reports he has already agreed a transfer to Turin.

“No. That's totally untrue. I think it's normal that people talk about these things, but ultimately you have to respect the rules. I am an Athletic player and, until January 1, I cannot sign with any other team.”