Llorente talks up Chelsea and City interest – Tuesday’s Rumour Round-up
Fernando Llorente has hinted that he could leave Athletic Bilbao in January stating he had some ‘interesting offers’ during the summer. The Spain striker has less than 12-months remaining on his contract at the San Mames and is expected to leave when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year. Chelsea and Manchester City were heavily linked with a move for Llorente last month whilst Arsenal, Tottenham AC Milan and Juventus are all known admirers. The 28-year-old says the interested parties were all put off by his release clause and it’s thought he can leave Bilbao for £15 million in January. Metro
Torres was on Reds summer hitlist – Liverpool’s former director of football Damian Comolli has revealed the club were considering bringing Fernando Torres back to Merseyside in the summer. Comolli, who was sacked by the Reds in April, claims discussions took place in February regarding a move for the Spain striker after a prominent member of the dressing room asked him to investigate the possibility. Torres left Anfield in January 2011 to join Chelsea in a British record £50 million transfer but has struggled to recapture the form that brought him 81 goals in 142 games at Liverpool and established his reputation as one of the most feared marksmen in the world. Daily Mail
Gunners targeting move for France defender – Arsenal will use their Champions League meeting with Montpellier to run the rule over their captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa as Arsene Wenger mulls over a January bid for the France defender. The Gunners boss is keen to bring in a new centre back during the transfer window and the 23-year-old, who can also operate at full back, has emerged as his primary target. Chelsea, Newcastle and Juventus were linked with a move for Mbiwa during the summer whilst AC Milan are thought to have had a bid rejected by the Ligue 1 side. A major sticking point could be the £10 million price tag on his head and will likely trusted deploy trusted scout Giles Grimandi to provide a telling judgement. Metro
Jones poised for Championship loan deal – Kenwyne Jones looks certain to leave Stoke City on loan this month with Championship rivals Leeds and Leicester battling for his signature. The Trinidad and Tobago striker is way down the pecking order at the Britannia Stadium after Tony Pulis signed Michael Owen on a free transfer and will be allowed to leave on a temporary basis. Foxes chief Nigel Pearson wants the 27-year-old to provide a goal threat his side have been sorely missing this season. Daily Mirror
