According to reports, Aston Villa’s efforts to recruit Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams have received a big boost.
This summer, Villa expressed a lot of interest in the 21-year-old. According to reports, Unai Emery spoke with the player in an effort to persuade him to make a move.
It was claimed that the club were prepared to trigger his £45million release clause before he decided to stay at Bilbao. Williams was also subject of interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
A report by Spanish outlet Sport claims that the duo are now “ready to end their interest” in the player. With his contract set to expire next summer, Williams would be allowed to have talks with other clubs in January over a summer move.
It is said that the chances of Bilbao allowing him to leave for free “are slim and none”. Talks have reportedly “progressed considerably” between the two parties over a new deal.
According to rumors, Williams would eventually have a less restrictive release clause, which would “benefit everyone.” Brighton is also claimed to be interested, and Villa is still reportedly “very interested” and “weighing the possibility” of signing Williams.
