Italian champions Juventus have informed Athletic Bilbao that they will start talks with the La Liga club's Spain striker Fernando Llorente with a view to signing him, Bilbao said on Thursday.

"Juventus Football Club informed Athletic Club on January 3 that, knowing Fernando Llorente will end his stint at our club on June 30, they will begin negotiations with the player to incorporate him into their squad," Bilbao said in a statement on their website.

Llorente, a tall and powerful forward known as "The Lion King" for his mane of blond hair, has barely featured for Bilbao since making his intention to leave when his contract ends in June.

He has a market value of 30 million euros ($39.7 million), according to transfermarkt.com, which tracks deals for soccer players.