Exclusive
By PAT SHEEHAN
Last Updated: 19th April 2012
[h=3]Emirates Marketing Project are close to snapping up Athletic Bilbao hitman Fernando Llorente for ?ú30million.[/h]
Agents for both clubs are understood to be involved and negotiations for a five-year deal for the Spanish striker are at the detailed stage.
Llorente has grabbed 23 goals this season.
But Bilbao, who are struggling to even qualify for a Europa League place next term, are prepared to let their top hitman go.
Llorente, 27, has been eyed by all the Premier League big boys.
But none can go close to the ?ú200,000-a-week wages on offer at City.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is an open admirer of Llorente and Spurs are prepared to pay big transfer fees.
But salaries remain a stumbling block, which is why Spurs are finding it difficult to make Emmanuel Adebayor’s loan move from the Etihad a permanent one.