Llorente confirms he is leaving Athletic Bilbao

Juventus target Fernando Llorente has confirmed he plans to leave Athletic Bilbao.

Goal.com reported earlier this week that the Bianconeri are set to make a renewed 7 million euro bid to try and tempt the Spanish striker to move to Turin in January before rival suitors can begin negotiations. It appears that the road is paved for that bid to be made now that Llorente has confirmed his intention to depart the Basque side, although he conceded it was painful to quit his boyhood club.

"I'm leaving Athletic," Llorente told Tuttosport. "The truth is that the project is very good, and for me it's a pain, an absolute sadness not to play next year in the new San Mames, but football is like that."

The 27-year-old refused to be drawn on his destination, however, stressing that his sole focus was to continue training and playing for Marcelo Bielsa's side.

"Everything is in the hands of my representatives. I'm only focused on training, to train, to play," Llorente added. "I'm just thinking about football today, about our league."

Llorente came through the Athletic Bilbao youth system and has played all of his top-flight soccer with the Spanish club. In addition to being on Juventus' radar, the Spanish international is said to be sought after by Premier League clubs Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, among others.