Llorente: San Mames not Manchester

Athletic Bilbao striker, Fernando Llorente, has denied holding talks with Manchester City and says that he is in talks about extending his stay in the Basque country according to Sky Sports.

City are reportedly interested in exercising the £28million release clause in the Spaniard's contract, which is due to expire next year.

The Champions are keen to strengthen their squad as they bid to defend the title and progress in the Champions League.

Llorente has scored 29 goals in 51 games last season, and strikes in both legs of a Europa League tie against City's rivals across Manchester, have propelled him into the limelight.

However, with Athletic Club looking forward to a Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on Friday, the talisman said to radio station Cedena Cope of the link with the Citizens: 'This is not true.

'I understand these rumours appear in the papers to increase sales but it is not correct.

'I am not negotiating with City or any other club. I am happy in Bilbao.

'Athletic have offered me a new deal and we are speaking.'

It appears then, that a Tuesday night in Stoke isn't figuring in the towering strikers plans any time soon.

@georgepowell8