Bilbao will not break bank for Urzaiz

The Spanish international is out of contract in the summer and as yet Bilbao have failed to agree a new deal with the player after months of talks.

The Basque outfit are keen to keep their top scorer, but Uria insists he will not meet the excessive demands of the player.

"Athletic will not break its wage structure neither by Urzaiz nor by no other player, as was the case with Gaizka Mendieta.

"It was only an attempt because not even we have got the finances that were requested.

"In addition it is assured that the club will not enter markets that are unattainable."

Both parties are so far from agreeing a deal that it seems almost inevitable that the 30-year-old will leave San Mames.

Sunderland and Rangers have both been linked with the powerful striker, but The Black Cats' interest may have cooled having landed Parma striker Patrick Mboma on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent move.

Rangers are believed to have been put off by the Spanish star's reported £50,000 a week wage demands.

Bilbao would like to cash-in on him now rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer.