Bielsa says Llorente will not leave in January

Bielsa says Llorente will not leave Athletic Bilbao in January

Dec 5, 2012 7:30:00 PM

The San Mames boss says the club have dismissed the possibility of letting the forward leave in the winter transfer window, despite his contract running out in the summer

Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa has said that striker Fernando Llorente will not be leaving the club in January.

The forward’s future has been the subject of speculation for some time, with reports linking him with a move to Italian champions Juventus.

However, Bielsa has dismissed stories suggesting the 27-year-old will leave when the transfer window opens next month.

“The situation is what it is. Llorente leaving in January is something the club have rejected,” said the Argentine.

"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," Bielsa added.

The Spanish international has just seven months left to run on his current deal.

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