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{ Llorente: Claims Liverpool interest

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Fernando Llorente claims Liverpool approached Athletic Bilbao regarding a potential deal for the striker before the transfer deadline.

Liverpool enjoyed a frenzied close to the January transfer window by bringing in Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez for big fees after selling Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50million.

Attacking reinforcements had been a priority for Reds boss Kenny Dalglish last month and Llorente was another player to be linked with a move to Anfield.

The Spain international claims Liverpool did make contact about a potential deal, but revealed Bilbao were in no mood to sell.

"Liverpool came to Bilbao and spoke with the club, but it was obvious that they weren't going to sell me," Llorente said on Radio Marca.

"I understand that the fans don't like it when I say I am going to leave, but it is a sign that I am doing well.

"For the moment, my future is here at Bilbao and I am going to give my all."

The Reds' Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur were also reported to have made a bid for Llorente, who has a 36million euros (£30.4m) buy-out clause in his contract.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also tracking the 26-year-old following his impressive form in recent seasons.

Llorente added: "There are people willing to pay 36m euros for my clause. Football is like that. It is crazy."

Though the forward has not openly declared where he would prefer to go, he admits he was a Barcelona fan as a child and was a huge admirer of Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team' of the early 1990s.

He continued: "I am not going to lie. I grew up watching the Dream Team of Cruyff and I liked Laudrup, Romario, Stoichkov and Ronaldo.

"When you are young, you usually follow the team that wins and that was Barcelona."

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