Chelsea & Manchester City target wanted by Barcelona

Chelsea transfer news: Barcelona emerge as rivals to Chelsea and Manchester City for Fernando Llorente

Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur will now have to contend with Barcelona if they want to sign Athletic Bilbao forward Fernando Llorente.

The Spain international has reportedly rejected a new contract offer from his club and a host of Europe’s top sides are interested in taking on the six-feet-five-inches forward.

A report in talkSPORT claims Camp Nou boss Tito Vilanova is hoping Llorente can see out the remaining time left on his contract, which has less than 12 months to run.

However, Stamford Bridge boss Roberto di Matteo hasbeen credited with an interest in him and is reportedly hopeful of snapping him up for a bargain £15million.

The report also suggests Manchester City have earmarked the 27-year-old as a target, possibly a replacement for out-of-favour Edin Dzeko.

New Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is also in the market for a centre-forward and has been reported as another admirer since Llorente’s talks over a new deal stalled this week.