Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente confirmed on Tuesday one of the worst-kept secrets in Spain - that he would be departing the Basque outfit at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old, who scored 29 goals for Bilbao last season, came close to joining Juventus in the summer only for a move to break down at the final moment.
In his statement the Spaniard revealed that he would be leaving "on June 30" but it is unlikely that Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa will allow the striker to leave for nothing, meaning that he will almost certainly be sold in the January transfer window.
With that in mind, Sports Mole has selected five destinations where Llorente could prosper as he moves onto the next stage in his career.
Juventus
The Serie A champions had targeted the likes of Robin van Persie and Mario Balotelli in the summer as they attempted to secure a marquee striker. However, they eventually settled for Arsenal's on-loan Danish forward Nicklas Bendtner. The Italian club certainly have the funds to move for players in January, however, and would be able to offer the sort of wages expected by the Spanish international.
Juve would also be able to offer Llorente Champions League football, a key factor in his next move. In addition to the chance of securing domestic silverware with the Turin outfit currently the major force in Italian football. Llorente, according to reports, saw a move to the club break down in the summer, but it could be a different story in January.
Remain in Spain
The current economic climate in Spain is another story for another day, but not too many clubs would be able to offer the kind of wages that the striker would command. The Spaniard has also revealed a desire for "a change" which points to a move abroad rather than remaining in La Liga. That said, two clubs that would turn his head are Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Catalan outfit have injury worries over David Villa, who has not yet returned to his best form. However, his addition would stunt the progress of young Barca talents such as Gerard Deulofeu. He will probably hear more from Madrid than he would Barcelona with the Spanish champions preparing for the possible departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Chelsea
When Manchester United won the treble in 1998-99, Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the importance of having four first-team strikers. Chelsea? They have one, possibly two if you include Daniel Sturridge. Rafa Benitez has thus far been unable to change the fortunes of Fernando Torres and it seems almost certain that another striker will be acquired in the January transfer window.
Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao has been mooted, but it is understood that Roman Abramovich is unprepared to meet the £46m asking price for the Colombian. Llorente would slot seamlessly into the setup at Stamford Bridge, but it is unlikely he would be able to play alongside Torres. The Spaniard will not move to sit on the bench and therefore his introduction at the Bridge could be the clearest sign that Chelsea are ready to cut their losses on Torres.
Tottenham Hotspur
Following a mediocre start to the Premier League season, Spurs have won their last three league games and sit fourth in the league. But with Emmanuel Adebayor's position at the club still undecided, that leaves Jermain Defoe as the only recognised first-team striker. Andre Villas-Boas will reportedly be in the market for a forward in January and could identify Llorente as his top target.
The Spaniard is understood to favour a move to London, but rather Spurs than Arsenal. He could also see White Hart Lane as a stage where he could display his talents and inspire Spurs to fourth in the second part of the season. It would also give Villas-Boas the chance to pair little and large in attack. However, the fact that Spurs are not one of the so-called 'big European sides' places them in a disadvantaged position to their rivals.
Liverpool
When Liverpool face West Ham United this weekend, they will be without the suspended Luis Suarez. With Fabio Borini also on the sidelines, the Reds do not have a recognised first-team striker available, cue Llorente. The Spaniard could see the impact Torres made at Liverpool as a mould for him to follow. You could also see the tall striker leading the line for Brendan Rodgers's side with Suarez operating in behind.
Liverpool would be able to offer the Spaniard the personal terms he would desire, but their lack of European football is a huge hindrance to their chances. Bar an incredible turnaround in form they will also not make the Champions League next season which is reportedly one of the main reasons Llorente wants to depart Bilbao.
Sports Mole says: Juventus in January for a figure in the region of £10m.
Regardless of interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, it is unlikely he will remain in Spain with first-team football and a change of scenery on his mind. Meanwhile, Chelsea are still not ready to lose faith in Torres and the instability at the club will surely put Llorente off a move. Liverpool's lack of European football is a major setback for them, leaving Tottenham as the only other viable option for the powerful forward.
Matt Law
