Crystal Palace are among a number of clubs sniffing around World Cup winner and Champions League semi-finalist Fernando Llorente.
Despite already having brought in Patrick Bamford on loan from Chelsea and agreed a fee with Sunderland for Connor Wickham, Alan Pardew’s Selhurst revolution is not over yet, say Tuttosport, an Italian website.
The Juventus striker, who scored eight goals in 36 appearances last season as his club won Serie A and reached the Champions League semi-final, has an £8.5 million price tag, which is well within The Eagles club record transfer fee.
Llorente’s key asset is his notable aerial presence as he stands at close on two metres tall – which could be welcomed with the likes of Bolasie and Zaha on the wings to feed crosses into the box. He’d also provide both good competition and excellent experience and advice for Patrick Bamford; it is very common that younger players work closely with their more senior partners to develop their game more.
Llorente was somewhat in the shadow of Carlos Tevez at Juventus last season and with Alvaro Morata having impressed towards the back end of the campaign and ever-improving as a player, time could be up for Llorente as part of Europe’s elite.
Despite the departure of Tevez, Llorente won’t get much of a chance if he stays with The Old Lady as they have signed both Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala this summer.
Tuttosport also mention that Stoke are interested, alongside Spanish side Sevilla, who could have the edge on Palace and Stoke, with Llorente of course hailing from Spain. However, the attraction of a final hurrah in the Premier League could be too great to turn down. Arsenal are also thought to be interested in “The Lion King”, as Llorente is affectionately known in Spain.
