Llorente plays down Manchester City links

Rumors abound of a 30 million pound switch to the newly crowned Premier League champions, but the striker insists he is happy in Spain

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has quashed rumors of a move to the Premier League with big-spending Manchester City.

The 27-year-old has been the subject of transfer speculation after enjoying a superb season for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, and reports indicated that Roberto Mancini had considered a bid of around 30 million pounds for the striker.

But Llorente has hit out at the reports claiming he is on his way to the North-West, insisting no deal is in place at the moment.

"Newspapers have to sell, but the truth is that there is nothing with Manchester City,” he told Cadena COPE.

"I have always said I'm very well here in Bilbao.”

Llorente has netted 28 goals in all competitions this season, helping fire Los Leones into two cup finals.

Bilbao faces Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on May 25 and Llorente is hoping for silverware after the team's disappointing Europa League final defeat to Atletico Madrid.

"We hope we can make the match we're looking for and get the desired title,” he said.