Fernando Llorente requests transfer; Inter want PSG’s Nene

Fernando Llorente requests transfer

Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has expressed his desire to leave San Mames this summer, Basque TV station ETB understands.

The highly rated forward was heavily linked with a move to one of Europe’s top clubs, but he stated that he was happy at San Mames earlier this summer.

However, just as the 27-year-old was expected to sign a new deal with los Leones, he has informed the club chiefs that he plans to leave the club.

The player, who has just one year left on his deal at Athletic, has rejected a new contract offer, paving way for interested clubs to start a bidding war for his services.

Llorente has a €36 million release clause inserted in his contract, but it is now clear he will be allowed to leave for a lot less.

With his future remaining in balance, the experienced striker was booed by the sections of the crowd as he appeared as a second-half substitute in the 3-1 Europa League victory over Slaven Koprivnica.

Llorente has spent his entire career at Athletic, scoring 80 goals in 237 La Liga appearances.

The striker has proved his worth in both La Liga and Europa League last season, and there are no doubts he is now one of Europe’s top centre forwards.

Inter want PSG’s Nene

French newspaper Le Parisien has revealed that Inter Milan are readying a bid for Paris Saint-Germain star Nene.

The Neroazzurri were beaten by PSG to the signature of Santos’ Lucas Moura and they could now get back at the Saints by snatching one of their best players.

The Serie A giants have managed to compensate for the numerous departures this summer, but they are still looking for another attacking midfielder and they believe Nene has got what it takes to succeed at Giuseppe Meazza.

The Brazilian, who was arguably PSG’s best player last season, has been deemed surplus to requirements following arrivals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ezequiel Lavezzi, with his position at the club further in danger after it was revealed the Saints were set to sign Lucas Moura from Santos.

Nene is, therefore, looking to leave Parc des Princes in search of first team football, but Inter could face a stiff competition for the player’s signature.

Rubin Kazan are also thought to be interested in the player who has just one year left on his contract.

Having scored 21 goals in 35 Ligue 1 games last season, Nene would certainly be a good addition to Inter’s misfirng attack.

Lazio close in on Granqvist

Lazio are on the verge of signing defender Andreas Granqvist from Genoa, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The Biancocelesti have been on the market for a new central defender for quite a while and they are now set to wrap up their quest.

Il Corriere dello Sport understands that Lazio have reached an agreement with Genoa for the signing of defender Andreas Granqvist.

According to the agreement, the Swedish centre-back will initially join the Olimpico outfit on loan with an option to make the transfer permanent for €4.5 million.

All that’s left is for the player to agree personal terms with Lazio, after which the transfer will be made official.

Andreas Granqvist has largely impressed in his first season in Serie A and he was even tipped to replace Thiago Silva at Milan.

However, Lazio took advantage of their rivals’ hesitation to secure the signing of an international defender.

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