Real admit Llorente admiration

(GSM) – Real Madrid have admitted their admiration for Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente despite backing out of form striker Karim Benzema.

Los Merengues sporting director Miguel Pardeza has strengthened Benzema case insisting that the Madrid giants have no intention of selling the Frenchman, who has struggled to establish himself in Madrid since his big-money move from Olympique Lyon in 2009.

The 22-year-old has scored just once in six games this season while Real had a total of just nine from seven competitive matches before their 6-1 rout against Deportivo La Coruna last time out.

The club has been linked with bringing in a new striker, and targetman Llorente mentioned as a possible recruit.

The 25-year-old bagged a brace in Spain’s 3-1 win over Lithuania on Friday and scored the winner against Scotland on Wednesday night.

And while Pardeza refused to speculate on the possibility of signing Llorente, he admitted he is a fan.

“Llorente is a magnificent striker, who possesses some characteristics which are not in abundance,” he told Spanish daily AS.

“As well as that, he has progressed enormously in recent years, as can be seen in recent games with Spain and Athletic.

“He’s an interesting player, that’s clear. But right now we are only concerned about those that we have here. It’s too soon to talk about the future.”

Besides Benzema, Real also have Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain at their disposal up front.

But Pardeza conceded Real may have to sign a new striker in the January transfer window if any of them are ruled out through injury.

“It’s too early to tell,” he added. “We’re comfortable with the squad.

“I don’t see any great necessities. But I don’t know if there will be a problem with injuries between here and January.

“It’s a possibility that is always going to be open, but I can’t make a judgment until much later on.”