Athletic Bilbao hopeful over Fernando Llorente

Athletic Bilbao remain hopeful that striker Fernando Llorente will commit his future to the club by signing a new deal at the San Mames.

The 26-year-old has been the subject of reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Chelsea in recent months.

However, Bilbao are keen to keep hold of their youth product and have begun talks over a new contract.

"We are very confident that Llorente stays with us," said sporting director Jose Maria Amorrortu. "He is a very important player. We are working on its continuity, but we have not gone any further.

"I'm optimistic. Fernando has been here for 11 years. This club is a club of values and Fernando knows this.

"We must transmit values and reinforce them because they are what make us different."

Llorente's current deal expires in 18 months.