Chelsea Transfer News: Fernando Llorente is Drogba Replacement?

Chelsea are preparing a transfer bid for prolific Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, in the club's latest attempt to find a replacement for Didier Drogba. Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo has signalled a move for the Spanish international striker as a top priority after holding lengthy discussions with the Stamford Bridge owner Roman Abramovich and technical director Michael Emanelo. Chelsea's long search for a Drogba replacement has been on-going all summer. We've reported previously that the club have made speculative and firm offers for the likes of Brazilian international Hulk, Napoli's Edinson Cavani and Newcastle United's Demba Ba, but they are yet to find themselves a new frontman to lead the line next season. 6 foot 5 inch tall Llorente does however fit the bill. He has scored goals for fun in the past four seasons in La Liga, striking at least a dozen goals in every season and last year struck 29 times in all competitions. He reportedly has a ‚30m (£23.3m) release clause which Chelsea are hoping to trigger before the start of the new season. source - caught offside