Real Madrid target to stay put

Athletic Bilbao forward Fernando Llorente reiterated his desire to remain at San Mames, while adding that he was in no hurry to extend his contract with los Leones.

Even though online gambling websites are tipping the Spain international to leave the club at the end of the season, the towering striker is not concerned with all the transfer talk.

Llorente has been widely tipped to join Real Madrid at the end of the season, but the promising striker says he would have no problem staying at San Mames for another season.

“I am calm, for the time being. I am dedicated to myself and I said I had nothing to do with it,” Llorente told Marca.

The 26-year-old says he is in no hurry to sign a new contract at San Mames, with his current deal running until June 2013.

“The truth is that we have had conversations with the president, but we are calm at the moment and are waiting to see what they will say.”

The Basques have secured European qualification thanks to some impressive performances in Spanish top flight and it is little wonder Athletic’s top scorer is delighted with team’s achievements this season.

“It was a great season for us. We achieved what we wanted, to return to Europe with Athletic.

”It is very important step for Athletic, because it is a competition that will come in handy for the club.”

The Spain international believes Joaquin Caparros has done a great job at San Mames and is hoping the tactician will stay on after this season.

“The truth is that I can only say good things about mister. He came when the squad were on the downtrend and managed to lead us to Europe.

”He has managed to create a wonderful group. We are a young team eager to go forward.”

Many believe that a logical step for Llorente after winning the World Cup would be a move to Santiago Bernabeu, especially as Real Madrid are looking for a striker at the moment.

“It’s been a big change to win the World Cup. This is unforgettable. But I still have 26 years and I have room for improvement.

”I expect to improve my goal tally for the season and to move forward in my career.”

The highly rated striker has made a tremendous progress over the last few years, proving his undoubted potential on both domestic and international stage, but it looks as though he will need to leave Athletic in order to realize his full potential.

Llorente is clearly a loyal club servant and he would have no problems staying at the club, but Athletic chiefs could decide to sell their most prized asset this summer should they receive an offer too good to refuse.