Athletic Bilbao have confirmed their interest in re-signing Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente.
The Spaniard joined Spurs from Swansea City in the summer of 2017. His hat-trick against Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup last week took his goal tally for the club up to nine.
Signed to provide experienced cover and competition for Harry Kane, Llorente has failed to meet expectations under Mauricio Pochettino and is out of contract at the end of the season.
Last week he was linked with Valencia, but his former club Bilbao have now confirmed their interest in taking Llorente back to the Basque region.
Bilbao sporting director Rafa Alkorta revealed the La Liga club are also keen on re-signing Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera.
“We are interested in Javi Martinez, Ibai [Gomez], Ander Herrera, Llorente… It’s obvious that any player that can play for Athletic is of interest to us,” Alkorta told Cadena Ser (via Football London).
“Nothing is easy but we are interested in having all of the ones that can come. We have not made any moves yet. We will start on Tuesday and we will see what can be done.”
Six of Llorente’s nine goals for Tottenham have come across two matches – the 33-year-old hit hat-tricks against lower league sides Rochdale last season and Tranmere this term.
Vincent Janssen has also been tipped to leave Spurs this month. If the Londoners sell both Janssen and Llorente, Kane will be the only senior centre-forward remaining at the club.
