talkSPORT: Bilbao will not sell Llorente

Defiant Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelo Bielsa says the club will not sell forward Fernando Llorente in January despite it being the last chance they can command a fee for him.

Llorente has rocked the club by saying he will not sign a new deal and with his existing contract expiring in the summer, he would be available on the cheap next month.

Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and numerous other clubs across Europe are interested in the Spain international.

His decision to quit has sent shockwaves through the club and the 27-year-old will be available on a free this summer.

Bielsa, though, would rather see him leave for nothing at the end of the season than lose him half-way through.

"The situation is what it is. Llorente leaving in January is something the club have rejected," he said.

"There is already a fixed position, and his presence gives us something extra.

"What happened was nothing different to what was discussed. We have all given our opinions. It would be worth analysing if the situation were not the same as it is now, but there is nothing different.

"I have given my opinion, everyone has, it won't add anything new."

Source: talkSPORT