LIVERPOOL AND CITY SET TO BATTLE FOR €36M LLORENTE

Liverpool and Manchester City are set for a summer battle over the signature of Spanish star Fernando Llorente according to reports in this morning’s Spanish media.

Roberto Mancini and Kenny Dalglish both want the Athletic Bilbao striker but would have to pay around €36 million to bring the 26-year-old to the Etihad Stadium or Anfield.

Liverpool have been linked with Llorente for a number of months, however this morning Spanish daily AS claim City are willing to pay the player €7 million per season, which would dwarf the €2.5 million he is currently on at San Mames.

Llorente is one of the most sought-after centre-forwards in Europe and has been in sublime form for Marcelo Bielsa’s side this season, having scored 14 times in 25 games.

The Premier League clubs would face stiff competition from the likes of Real Madrid for the player, however Llorente is keen on a move to England and said:  “I have said many times that I would like to play in the Premier League. I have talked to Fernando (Torres) and Xabi Alonso about life in England and the respect and tradition there is around the game there. I would like to prove myself there in the years to come.”

Mancini already has a plethora of attacking talent at City which includes Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli but it is believed some players may be allowed to leave Eastlands during the summer.

Meanwhile Dalglish is looking to strengthen a Liverpool squad that includes a mis-firing Andy Carroll.

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