Manchester United Transfer News: United Target Fernando Llorente Wants a Move

If Manchester United fail in their pursuit of Robin van Persie, there could be a ready-made plan-B waiting in Spanish hotshot Fernando Llorente.

According to a report in The Mirror, the striker is keen on a move away from current club Athletic Bilbao, wanting to play Champions League football next term.

United are already well aware of Llorente's ability, the big man having starred in his club's big win over Sir Alex Ferguson's men in the Europa League last season.

Having scored 30 goals in all competitions last season, he managed to put a number of top European clubs on notice with his fine performances, as Bilbao eventually made the final of the competition.

Llorente has spent his whole footballing career at the Basque club, but it now seems that he is ready for a move.

But, with the club finishing in only 10th position in the league, he may be looking to move to a club with more ambition.

He had been linked with a move to Old Trafford earlier this month, with some sources claiming that Sir Alex had tapped up the player for a move next summer (via The Metro).

However, these are more than likely baseless rumours, due to United's transfer policies.

With only 12 months to run on his contract, Bilbao will be eager to avoid having to let the player move for free next summer.

If a new deal cannot be made, it is therefore likely that a transfer will take place, either this month or in the winter transfer window.

Whether or not United need another striker in their squad, and if Llorente is a viable option, are decisions that will inevitably lie in Sir Alex's hands.