Athletic Bilbao Closing On Fernando Llorente Contract Renewal

Sources in Spain have indicated that Athletic Bilbao are closing on the contract renewal of striker Fernando Llorente.

The powerful forward has flourished under coach Marcelo Bielsa at San Mames and keeping him at the Basque club is a priority for Athletic.

Llorente has long interested a number of sides and bids could well arrive for the 27-year-old in the summer, regardless of whether a new contract is penned.

However, securing the Spain international on an extended deal will help Athletic to resist offers for their talisman.

The contract on the table, which Llorente is expected to soon sign, will guarantee the Spaniard €5M per season as a basic salary.

Athletic are well aware that Llorente could increase his value still further at Euro 2012 and are keen to ensure that the new contract is agreed well before he sets sail for Poland/Ukraine.