Betting latest: Newcastle in running to sign 24-time capped Spain forward
By Harvey Byrne
Newcastle are in the running to sign Spain and Swansea striker Fernando Llorente, according to the latest bookmakers’ odds.
Sky Bet have priced the Magpies at 5/1 second favourites to sign the 32-year-old this summer with league champions Chelsea the only team leading them with odds of 4/1.
Fellow Premier League club Stoke trail behind the top two by some distance with a price of 16/1 to sign Llorente ahead of the transfer deadline.
Llorente only made the switch to Swansea last summer in a two-year deal from Sevilla.
The former Juventus and Athletic Bilbao excelled in his first season in England, netting a fine 15 Premier League goals in 33 appearances.
He has boasted a fine scoring record wherever played and he has also been capped 24 times at international level for Spain, where he has managed a return of seven goals.
But, with his contract now set to expire next summer Llorente is naturally being linked with moves elsewhere and compatriot Rafa Benitez could certainly be looking to bring him to the club as he looks to bolster his promotion winning squad this summer.
The Magpies currently have star Dwight Gayle in the forward role, but they may eye someone more proven like Llorente to lead the line.
In other Newcastle transfer news, the Magpies have also made an enquiry for this 21-year-old Spaniard.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Newcastle breaking news.