Spurs beat rivals Chelsea to land Fernando Llorente in shock move as frustrated Antonio Conte misses out on another transfer target

  • Tottenham land Fernando Llorente from under the noses of Chelsea
  • The striker had been pursued by Antonio Conte and Chelsea all summer
  • Move gives Conte the blues as Stamford Bridge outfit miss out on another target
  • The 32-year-old's transfer is a huge coup for Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino 

Tottenham have signed Swansea striker Fernando Llorente, beating off competition from London rivals Chelsea.

The move is a coup for Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino after the 32-year-old had been expected to join Antonio Conte's Stamford Bridge outfit.

The Premier League champions had been close to a £15m deal for the 32-year-old, who played under Conte at Juventus - until Spurs pounced to poach the Spaniard from under their noses.

Tottenham have signed Swansea striker Fernando Llorente from under the noses of Chelsea

Speaking to the official Spurs website Llorente said: ' I'm very happy to be at Tottenham. It's an amazing club. 


'I've come here to help them win titles. I like Mauricio Pochettino's mentality.

'I think the philosophy of the club is amazing. I'm very excited to come here. 

'I'm 32 but I still want to learn every day and I can learn from Harry Kane. I want to do my best here, and I think I can still do more things in my career.'

Llorente was eyed closely by Chelsea but decided to move to London rivals Tottenham

Llorente was eyed closely by Chelsea but decided to move to London rivals Tottenham

Llorente played at White Hart Lane for Athletic Bilbao during a pre-season friendly between the clubs back in 2011 and still recalls the match.

He added: 'The atmosphere was great and it made me want to come and play in the Premier League. It was amazing. I want to see the new stadium too, I'm sure it will be amazing. 

'It's a very good moment to come to Tottenham - we have a lot of possibilities to win titles and we will fight for titles.' 

The Spain international played a key role as Swansea stayed in the Premier League last season, scoring 15 goals in 33 Premier League appearances.

Llorente's career has also seen him play for Athletic Bilbao and Juventus, where he played under Chelsea boss Conte.

The 32-year-old has also been capped 24 times by the Spanish national team.