Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has revealed they are in talks to sign to Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente.

Italians working on deal to land Spanish star

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has revealed they are in talks to sign to Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente. Italian champions Juventus are keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season and have been linked with Arsenal's Robin van Persie and Liverpool's Luis Suarez. However, it appears they are close to striking a deal for Spanish international Llorente, who is entering the final year of his contract at Bilbao. The 27-year-old, who has been chased by a host of clubs across Europe, has so far refused to sign a new contract at San Mames and Juve are hoping to persuade Bilbao to do a deal. Marotta has admitted negotiations are ongoing with Bilbao, but a deal is not easy as Bilbao do not want to lose their star striker. "We are negotiating to bring Llorente here, but it's not an easy process because Athletic don't want to sell him," Marotta told. Llorente has a near £30million release clause in his contract, but Juve are hoping to land giant forward for a lower fee.