Athletic Bilbao begin Fernando Amorebieta talks

Athletic Bilbao have reportedly opened contract talks with Fernando Amorebieta with a view to holding off interest from Liverpool.

The 27-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been one of the club's star performers in a disappointing campaign thus far.

According to talkSPORT, Bilbao have opened negotiations with the Venezuela international, but the player is understood to be keen on a move to Liverpool.

Bilbao will be forced to listen to offers if they cannot agree a new deal with the powerful central defender.