According to Il Messaggero (h/t Football Italia), Tottenham could miss out on Fernando Llorente, with Lazio making contact with the striker’s agent. Llorente is available on a free transfer after his release from Spurs, but the Lilywhites are considering bringing him back for another season. If the 34-year-old is willing to return on reduced terms, he’s likely to sign a short-term deal with the club.
Lazio are trying to hijack any potential deal, however. The Serie A side have spoken with Llorente’s representatives and could look to bring in the Spanish international to replace Felipe Caicedo. Fiorentina are also showing interest in the veteran striker and appeared to have won the race for his signature in July, but Llorente’s future is now up in the air.
He has a lot to consider.
Is Llorente satisfied seeing out his playing career in a bit-part role at Tottenham? Or does he want to return to Italy and be a regular in attack for a Serie A side that can guarantee him more opportunities? The 34-year-old impressed during the second half of last season for Tottenham, mostly in the Champions League, but he spent the majority of the campaign on the bench in the Premier League.
If Llorente doesn’t return, Tottenham may have to hunt for a new striker before the summer transfer window shuts. Vincent Janssen joining Monterrey leaves Mauricio Pochettino short on backup for Harry Kane.