Liverpool have been referred to Fernando Llorente's buyout clause by Athletic Bilbao.

The Reds are thought to be eyeing the Athletic Bilbao star with a view to a move in the January transfer window.

Anfield's new director of football strategy, Damien Comolli, revealed earlier this week that the club's owners New England Sports Ventures would make money available for a world class signing in the transfer window.

But their chances of landing the 6ft 5in Spanish international now seem remote after the La Liga club revealed they have increased the his buy-out clause from €36m to an eye-watering €63m.