Having made his mark at Athletic Bilbao, Fernando Llorente is a valuable asset and is constantly being linked to a transfer away. So With only 12 months left on his contract the 27 year old was in negotiations with Bilbao this summer but these talks have failed. Llorente who currently earns £40,000 a week, which in premier league terms is pretty small, is holding out for £80,000 a week.

The Spanish international has been offered £60,000 by the basque club and the move by Llorente to ask for double what he is currently on, has upset the club. Llorente is a legend at Bilbao and these on-going contract negotiations have soured relations to such an extent that he told the club he would like to move on. Bilbao are trying to persuade him to stay but they are also acutely aware of the fact that next year, he will be a free agent.

Llorente is perfectly built for the Premier league, 6ft 5 inches with a strong physique, he is suited to the bullish game and in my opinion would be a perfect signing for Chelsea after the departure of Drogba. Many teams have looked at buying the striker in recent seasons with Madrid and AC Milan among them but nothing has ever come of their interest.

Manchester City are the other option, having given up on signing Van Persie they look likely to turn their attention to Llorente, who would be a cheaper option. City would have no problem matching his wage demands and also the fee for the player. It is understood the club are willing to sell the player for around £15 million.