The fee is likely to be still considerable...you obviously aren't aware of the tax tariff spurs would have to pay on top of the transfer sum. Were you also aware Athletic have appointed a new president and manager after an acrimonious power struggle?...no didn't think so.Amazing these experts who post with basically no evidence based argument. These new variables may render his transfer more or less likely...but are crucial.Lets hope Harry does a little more homework than you before sticking your foot in it. RM were very close to signing him in January but discord over the fee between F Perez and JM scuppered the deal.The Athletic club are on a very stable financial footing,have fabulous young players(Munianin,Martinez,SanJose,Herrera were all members of the recent U21 Euro championship winning squad) and are in the Europa League this year,just like tottenham. The club are about to move into a new stadium and are currently strengthening rather than asset stripping. If Llorente did leave,and he is certainly for sale under the new regime for the right price,it is doubtful he would go to a club like tottenham..believe it or not,given the history of the Athletic,that would represent a considerable step down. No one posting yet seems to be aware of the cantera policy operational at Bilbao where only players from the Basque Country,or those with relatively recent ancestry,are eligible to play for the club.This means replacements are hard to find and hence the players are on very good saleries..could spurs match that? Llorente is a fabulous player who would be a great addition to any team. I suggest you google the history of Athletic Bilbao football club. It's a lot more noble,successful and impressive than that of the "spurs"...Llorente would be unlikely to compromise his reputation and future value by such a move.
Dexter. I suggest you check out the history of Bilbao. They haven't won a trophy since the mid 1980's and a move to Spurs certainly wouldn't be a step down.
I've heard managers moan about the January transfer window becuase of the inflated prices of players. Andy Carroll - £35million Darren Bent - £24million are just two players that spring to mind of costing way too much because the buying clubs needed a mid season 'boost' and the selling clubs knew they won't find a replacement easily (because the window is shorter) thus setting the price a lot higher than they would in the summer. That said if DL does his usual trick and leaves it to the last minute we will have to bid big so I'd rather we get our signings done asap.
Very interesting comment Dexter, Basque players only? Even Wikipedia know that your cantera policy has been relaxed in recent times, even fielding a coloured player in 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletic_Bilbao The 2000's bring me to the next point, that the most successful Bilbao team was indeed during that period, sadly for you its the Ladies team! , the Mens team not having won a domestic trophy since 1984....oh the irony, the same year tv's all over Europe were screening Spurs hoisting the UEFA Cup. Some step down that eh! Been a pleasure bringing you up to date on your own club.
I think it's got alot to do with squad size, and the amount of over seas players in our first team squad. We haven't even been able to get shot of GDS yet, and Palacios looked all set to go, and has barely feature pre season. A typical catch 22, not wanting to get squeezed for too much cash, whilst squeezing other clubs for the players we want rid of. It's damn frustrating. My fear is, we'll end up with roughly the same squad, with maybe a new centre half and forward (i hope), and plenty of unwanted players sat in the stands waiting for January. At which point, maybe QPR will buy a few from us!
I thought Liverpool fans were bad with living in the past. Apparently they could learn a thing or two from Bilbao supporters! Do you really not think that player's prices are inflated during January, Lidls? Seriously?
lads...I thought my contribution would elicit a few responses!! Enjoy the game on Saturday,anyone heading along.
Most teams aren't selling players in January, Lidls. That means that anyone trying to instigate a move has to pay over the odds. It's a pretty well known phenomenon.
That's not the point, Lidls. If Bilbao were to sell, then they'd be able to replace Llorente. That is often extremely difficult in January, as players are cup-tied and squads are settled.
Llorente to Spurs won't happen. If not because of his Basque roots because of the hefty price tag Bilbao will surely slap on him, he's been at that club for 15 years now.
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/footba...h-spurs-during-pre-season-visit#ixzz1U50ZLZez Spurs will open talks with Athletic Bilbao over a move for striker Fernando Llorente when the Spanish club visits White Hart Lane for a friendly this weekend. Manager Harry Redknapp is understood to have been in contact with Bilbao officials but will wait until the Spanish side settles in London to do business. Spurs' first choice target Mirko Vucinic snubbed the club by opting for Juventus earlier in the week and time is fast running out for Tottenham to secure a top-class goalscorer before the start of the season. The north London side could face a tough fight to sign 26 year-old Llorente, however, and while he's currently valued at £17.5million that figure could increase significantly. Spurs showed their transfer limitations when they failed to meet the £28million asking price for Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi, but Redknapp may squeeze £25million out of chairman Daniel Levy should Llorente impress in the pre-season match. After joining Bilbao at the age of 11, Llorente is well overdue a move and the bright lights of the Premier League offer him the the perfect platform to develop his career. The 6ft 5in forward didn't quite get the return he was looking for last season netting 19 goals in 38 appearances, but with an adequate supply from midfield Llorente could flourish for Spurs. ----------- I know it's the Metro and also disgusted at how they seem to think 19 goals from 38 games isn't good but i'm praying it's true as we need someone in and Llorente would be a good signing.
I think it's all speculation, but it's not too far fetched, as these things go. It's a shame that they couldn't find somebody who has a clue what he's talking about to write the article, though. 1 in 2 is a very good goalscoring record and his value is unlikely to rise by £7.5m between now and tomorrow evening.
I hope its positive, because i don't think there are many more quality strikers to be had at the moment. Otherwise it will be normal service resumed -shudder.
It's reported that if Llorente comes then Crouch goes. I think 2 tall players up front would be ideal. If he comes then Keane or Defoe leave or both would be preferable. Mind you I'd like RP to stay too so it's a problem.
IF we get a player like Llorente, then at least two of our current crop would have to go - whilst PSB is a given (in my opinion) each of the other three offer such different options up front that I wouldn't know which would be the easiest or most obvious to lose.
