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Spain international Fernando Llorente has confirmed he is looking to leave Tottenham at the end of the season, as quoted by The Sun.

What's the word?

Shining as a striker at Tottenham is a near impossible task when competing with Harry Kane, but it is fair to say fans have not been happy with the performances of Fernando Llorente during his spell in North London.

The Spain international, who has made just one Premier League appearance this season, has fallen out of favour in Mauricio Pochettino's side and confirmed to The Sun that he plans to leave the Lilywhites when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Now 33, the former Juventus and Athletic Bilbao man does not have too long left in his career and it is extremely unlikely he will be given a new lease of life at Spurs before his departure at the end of 2018-19.

What was said?

"It is never easy to cope with. It is a daily struggle with myself, as I find it hard to accept the situation I am in. It is frustrating to be left on the bench or not be called up. But I plan to continue working hard in training every day for when I get my chance. Giving up is not an option for me.

"I would gladly rejoin Bilbao next summer. I will see what offers I have at the end of the season. I could continue in the Premier League, go back to Spain or return to Italy - where I was very happy."

The right move?

A departure for Llorente from Tottenham at the end of the season is certainly the best option for all parties but Mauricio Pochettino must manage his squad better in the months ahead, easing the pressure on Harry Kane.

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Llorente, at 33, is past his best but can still be a useful asset for Pochettino in his final year at the club, particularly in the cup competitions and in busy Champions League weeks where the Lilywhites may look to rotate.

The last thing Tottenham need is an injury to Kane which then thrusts Llorente into the first-team frame without being up to scratch, as that could prove to be the undoing in the fight for a top-four finish.