Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has been at the centre of transfer speculation due to his contract expiring next summer.
Premier League clubs Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool have shown interest, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Aston Villa appeared poised to secure his services in January by activating his £45 million release clause, but Williams ultimately declined the move to remain in Bilbao.
There were also rumours of Barcelona’s interest, with some reports suggesting that the 21-year-old had already reached an agreement with the Catalan club for a free transfer in 2024.
It appears that Nico Williams is on the verge of signing a new contract with Athletic Bilbao, according to reports from SPORT.
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Although the negotiations have posed challenges, the La Liga club is currently in advanced discussions and is optimistic about finalizing the new deal.
Williams has been a crucial part of Athletic Bilbao’s team in recent years. Since joining the club in 2021, he has accumulated over 90 senior appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists.
In the current 2023-24 season, the attacker has had a strong beginning, starting in six La Liga matches and contributing to four goals.
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Liverpool would be gutted to miss out on the winger, who could have been a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian star is a constant target for Saudi Arabian clubs and there is a chance that they can renew their interest next summer.
The Reds would need to find a suitable player to fill the void left by one of their best players under Jurgen Klopp. The club might be targeting numerous players as this position needs some urgent consideration.