Liverpool linked with Fernando Llorente bid

Liverpool are reportedly lining up a bid for Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers will swoop for the Spain star provided he manages to offload Andy Carroll before the transfer deadline passes, The Sun reports.

Llorente, 27, is out of favour at Bilbao after refusing to sign a new contract with the club. He has one year remaining on his current deal.

The forward, who has a £30 buy-out clause in his contract, has previously attracted interest from Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus.

Llorente has been training with Bilbao's reserves and has not played a La Liga match so far this season.