Giuseppe Marotta admits to 'advanced' talks for Fernando Llorente

Marotta admits to 'advanced' talks for Llorente

Jan 20, 2013 1:00:00 AM

The Old Lady's director has revealed negotiations are ongoing for the sought-after Spain international, while simultaneously ruling out the sale of Arturo Vidal

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has admitted the club are in discussions to sign Athletic Bilbao forward Fernando Llorente.

The Euro 2012 winner has long been linked with a move to Turin after declaring he would not be renewing his contract with Marcelo Bielsa's men, with the Basque side having given Juventus permission to offer their 27-year-old striker a deal.

"We are always looking to the future and monitoring players, which includes Llorente, who is out of contract," Marotta told assembled reporters.

"We are at an advanced stage."

Highly-rated Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal has also been the subject of purported interest from Germany and Spain recently, although the director was quick to rule out rumours of a sale.

"It’s no surprise that Bayern want Vidal, but there have been no offers. We are, in any case, more accustomed to buying than selling,” he concluded.