Juventus admit interest in Llorente; Ajax hotshot confirms Newcastle move on cards

Juventus admit interest in Llorente

Serie A champions Juventus have confirmed reports linking them with a summer move for Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente.

The Bianconeri have significantly reinforced the squad over the summer, but they are still in the market for a high-profile centre-forward.

After their attempts to sign Luis Suarez, Robin van Persie and Stevan Jovetic fell through, Juventus have turned their attention to Fernando Llorente.

The highly rated Spaniard has one year left on his deal at San Mames and has reportedly told club chiefs that he wanted to leave.

Juventus transfer guru Giuseppe Marotta has now revealed that they are in talks with Athletic over the sale of Fernando Llorente.

“We are negotiating to bring Llorente here, but it’s not an easy process because Athletic don’t want to sell him,” Marotta confessed to Tuttosport.

Athletic Bilbao are not interested in selling one of their most prized assets, but it is believed los Leones would not be able to resist an offer in the region of €20 million.

Fernando Llorente is in high demand at the moment and he is aware this is the right time to move to one of Europe’s top clubs.

Ajax hotshot confirms Newcastle move on cards

Ajax utility player Vurnon Anita has admitted that he could soon become a Newcastle player.

The Magpies have been following the 23-year-old for a while now and they opened talks with Ajax at the start of the summer transfer window.

The two clubs have now finally reached an agreement, and Voetbal International claims the transfer fee will amount to €8.5 million.

The Dutch midfielder has moved to confirm that the transfer will be wrapped up in the coming days.

“The clubs have agreed a fee, but I have not,” the midfielder said to Eredivisie Live. “I’m still an Ajax player. I think it will be finished soon, but you never know how it will go.

“I have played for Ajax for 13 years, it has been a great time and I am grateful to Ajax.”

Essentially a central midfielder, Anita can also play on either side of a four-man defence and his versatility will be much appreciated at St James Park.

The midfielder boasts a considerable amount of experience for such a young player, having made more than 100 Eredivisie appearances for the Dutch giants.

Kolo Toure edges closer to City exit

Ivorian defender Kolo Toure is nearing the exit door at Etihad Stadium, according to The Mirror.

The same source claims the experienced centre-back was so disappointed by being benched for the Community Shield match against Chelsea that he threw away his medal into the crowd after the game.

Roberto Mancini decided to start inexperienced Stefan Savic on the right side of a three-man defence, with starting left-back Gael Clichy also staying on the bench.

Manchester City managed to come from a goal behind to record a 3-2 victory, but Toure’s actions somewhat marred an impressive afternoon for the Citizens.

The Ivorian is clearly unhappy with his status at the club and is likely to request a transfer before the summer transfer window is over.

The 31-year-old started just 8 Premier League games last season as Roberto Mancini opted for Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott as his starting centre-backs.

It is now perfectly clear that Toure will leave the club this summer, and City can only hope to receive a small portion of the €18.7 million invested in the player three years ago.

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