Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente has claimed Liverpool were interested in acquiring his services during the January transfer window.
The Spain international has been with the Basque club since 2004, going on to establish himself as one of La Liga’s premier marksmen after beginning life at the club in Bilbao’s reserve side.
Llorente has scored 12 goals this league campaign and also netted in the Copa del Rey against champions Barcelona.
The 25-year-old target man claims Anfield club was keen to acquire him to replace the departing Fernando Torres, who eventually signed for English Premier League rivals Chelsea before the transfer window’s deadline on Monday.
“Liverpool came to Bilbao and spoke with the club, but it was obvious that they (Bilbao) weren’t going to sell me,” Llorente told 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.”
Liverpool could have taken control out of Bilbao’s hands had they elected to meet the buyout clause in Llorente’s contract, rumoured to be around 30 million pounds.
