Fernando Llorente Reportedly Having Tottenham Medical Amid Chelsea Transfer Talk

Matt JonesFeatured ColumnistAugust 31, 2017

SWANSEA, WALES - MAY 21: Swansea player Fernando Llorente celebrates his and the winning goal during the Premier League match between Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion at Liberty Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly had a bid accepted for Swansea City striker Fernando Llorente and he is having a medical at the club.

As reported by David Ornstein of BBC Sport, Spurs have emerged as serious rivals to Chelsea for the veteran forward:

David Ornstein @bbcsport_david
#THFC shock Llorente offer accepted #SwansFC - Chelsea close for weeks but no bid accepted. #CFC set to counter, outcome too close to call

David Ornstein @bbcsport_david
If Llorent joins Spurs (they're in pole but he's torn & no #CFC deal yet) it's possible Janssen to leave #THFC on loan before window shuts

The Telegraph's John Percy reported on the medical:

John Percy @JPercyTelegraph
Fernando Llorente is at #Spurs having a medical & Vincent Janssen could move to Swansea on loan

According to Nizaar Kinsella of Goal, Tottenham are ready to pay £15 million for the Spain international and are hopeful of beating the Premier League champions to the player's signature.

Kinsella added that Tottenham's interest in the striker will contribute to what may be a "difficult" final day of the window for Chelsea.

However, Simon Johnson of the Evening Standard reported the Blues are the player's preferred destination should they agree a fee with Swansea.

As noted by journalist Kristof Terreur, the Blues seem to have narrowly missed out on a lot of their targets so far:

Kristof Terreur 📰 @HLNinEngeland
Chelsea hijacked again? Let's see at the end of the day: ❌ Romelu Lukaku ❌ Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ❓ Fernando Llorente #cfc #thfc

Llorente would be a solid addition for both sides, and it appears to be Spurs who have won the race. The former Juventus, Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao man was excellent for Swansea and a key factor in their Premier League survival last season.

While the 32-year-old is past his absolute best, he showed during 2016-17 he can still be a big asset in the final third. Llorente relishes physical battles and boasts the technique needed to hold the ball and bring others into play.

He's a beast in the air and also has a habit of netting in the biggest games, as noted by Squawka Football:

Squawka Football @Squawka
Fernando Llorente scored vs. three of the Premier League's top-four last season: ⚽️⚽️ vs. Liverpool ⚽️ vs. Man City ⚽️ vs. Chelsea https://t.co/GkoG1Qs9Pj

It's likely he will be a back-up option behind Harry Kane, the same role he'd enjoy behind Alvaro Morata at Stamford Bridge were he to join Chelsea.

SWANSEA, WALES - AUGUST 24: Fernando Llorente in action during the Swansea City Training and Press Conference at The Fairwood Training Ground on August 24, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)

Athena Pictures/Getty Images

At Chelsea, he would have had the familiarity of Antonio Conte. The Blues manager worked with the striker during their time together at Juventus and will be aware of the best way to get the most from the target man.

Still, Spurs are a tempting prospect. Mauricio Pochettino's side require a different option to Kane, and while Llorente may not be suited to the pressing style the manager seeks to utilise, he can provide an excellent focal point late in games when the team needs to go direct.