Marcelo Bielsa admits Fernando Llorente's future at Athletic Bilbao is still to be resolved, but insists he wants the best for all parties.
Reports claim Bilbao striker and coach's relationship has broken down
Marcelo Bielsa admits Fernando Llorente's future at Athletic Bilbao is still to be resolved, but insists he wants the best for all parties.
Llorente is in the final year of his current contract at San Mames and has so far refused to sign an extension with the Basque club.
Reports have claimed that the 27-year-old, who has a near £30million release clause in his contract, wants to play for a club competing in the UEFA Champions League and regularly challenging for trophies.
However, more recent speculation has claimed that the Spain international will not sign a new deal at Bilbao while Bielsa remains as coach.
The forward's relationship with Bielsa is reported to have broken down, but the Bilbao boss refused to be drawn into discussing the situation.
"It's a private matter not yet resolved," said Bielsa prior to Thursday's Europa League tie against Slaven Belupo. "I want the best for the team, the player and the club."
Llorente has regularly been linked with a move to the Premier League, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all mooted as admirers.
Juventus are the latest team to be tipped to launch a bid for Llorente, with the Italian champions in the market for a big-name striker after Luis Suarez signed a new deal at Liverpool and no progress appeared to be made over a move for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.
