Llorente to spark transfer tug-of-war

Liverpool have emerged as serious contenders for the signature of Spurs transfer target Fernando Llorente in January.

Buoyed by the club's upturn in fortunes of late, new Reds ownership group NESV are set to put their full weight behind Roy Hodgson by bringing in significant reinforcements to bolster the squad.

And although Liverpool have recently been linked to some bargain signings as the manager looks to bring in some new faces - the latest name is a Spanish international and World Cup winner who could form a formidable partnership with Fernando Torres.

Fernando Llorente, 25, could be sold by Athletic Bilbao in the January transfer window, given the club's well-publicised financial problems.

It is thought Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has already made enquiries about the player, but Llorente would be more tempted by an offer from Merseyside, given the presence of international team-mate Torres.

An asking price in the region of £16million could be a stumbling block for the Reds, whose new owners are trying to remain frugal.

However, if Hodgson can get his man for around £12million plus add-ons then a deal could be in the offing - if Llorente can be persuaded to leave Bilboa, where he has played since the age of 18.

Llorente would be well-suited to the Premier League with his height and power, and a goal return of 32 in the last season-and-a-half suggests he could be a big success.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.