Bilbao stunned by Fulham swoop

Athletic Bilbao have been stunned to learn that Fernando Amorebieta will join Fulham on a free for less than they offered him to stay.



Fulham are understood to have agreed a four-year deal to bring the Venezuelan international defender to Craven Cottage in the summer.



The 28-year-old centre-back's contract with the Basque club expires in June and he decided against signing a new deal there to exercise his right to leave as a free agent.



Voz Populi claims today that Amorebieta turned down the chance to renew his contract with Athletic Bilbao for five more years on a contract worth €1.8 million per year - more than he has accepted to sign pre-contract terms with Fulham.



He broke off his relationship with his agent Gorka Arrinda, who had negotiated the new contract with Athletic, to instruct a British-based agency to find him a club in the Premier League.



The 6ft 4inch defender was also linked with a move to Arsenal during the January transfer window.