Middlesbrough will be competing in the Premier League next season for the first time since their relegation in 2009.
Sevilla’s Fernando Llorente celebrates with the trophy after winning the UEFA Europa League Final
Spanish sport publication AS is reporting that Middlesbrough are interested in signing Sevilla target man Fernando Llorente, and have begun informal discussions with the La Liga side over a potential move for the striker.
The newspaper believe that talks between the two sides have been calm and respectful, yet positive.
Llorente has been somewhat of a disappointment in his time in Seville, scoring only seven goals in 34 outings, but he would still represent a fantastic coup, should the Teesside outfit eventually manage to complete a deal.
Fernando Llorente endured an un-successful spell at Juventus
At 31-years-old, Llorente still has two years remaining on his contract with Sevilla, so it could be a situation where a deal would be preferable for both parties involved.
Middlesbrough will certainly need to strengthen their squad following their promotion to the Premier League, and the signings of players of the calibre of Llorente would go a long way to helping them maintain their top tier status next season.
Sevilla’s Fernando Llorente and Adil Rami during training
AS go on to claim that a huge factor in the clubs even having conversation at all is Boro’s Spanish recruit – Victor Orta. The Spaniard joined the North East outfit in a recruitment role at the end of last year, and the newspaper claim he is taking advantage of his incredible contacts within La Liga to help bring extraordinary talents to the Riverside.
Middlesbrough are certainly a club on the up, and if a move for Llorente was to materialise, the excitement surrounding the club’s promotion would grow to even greater levels.
Fernando Llorente looks on during training
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