Madrid were also interested in Llorente, reveals Perez

The Blancos president is in no doubt that the Spain international, who is joining the Bianconeri on a free transfer, will prove a big hit in both Serie A and the Champions League

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has revealed that he was interested in signing Fernando Llorente before the forward agreed to join Juventus.

The Bianconeri announced in January that the Spain international will move to Turin on a free transfer upon the expiration of his current contract with Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season.

Despite Llorente’s imminent arrival at the Juventus Stadium, the Italian champions are still said to be pursuing another striker, much to the bemusement of Perez who remains a keen admirer of Llorente.

“You [Juventus] are really looking for a forward?” the Blancos supremo is quoted as saying by Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport. “But you have already taken a really good one: Llorente.

“He’s really good. I am certain that he will score a lot and that he will also do well in the Champions League.

“He was also liked by us, but our [transfer] policy does not allow us to take a player whose contract is expiring away from another team.”

Despite Perez’s recommendation, the 28-year-old Llorente has scored just one goal in 19 appearances for Athletic in La Liga this season.

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