Athletic keen to keep Llorente

Fernando Llorente will be staying at Athletic Club Bilbao until summer 2011 after one of Spain's most promising forwards agreed a contract extension.

Bright future
The 21-year-old is expected eventually to play at the highest echelon having regularly represented his country at Under-21 level and also at the 2003 UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup. Llorente moved to San Mamés from Baskonia CF in 2004 and quickly became part of the first-team picture. The tall striker played 22 times for Athletic last season, although only 12 were starts, and scored two goals. He also found the net twice in the Copa del Rey. His previous deal was due to expire in 2008.