Tottenham have joined the increasing list of English clubs interested in signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams this summer.
Williams has emerged as one of La Liga’s most watchable footballers at Athletic Bilbao and is a transfer target for several leading clubs across Europe.
The 21-year-old ranks second in Spain’s top division for assists (8) this season, leads the league for goal-creating actions (20), and ranks second for crosses into the penalty box and successful take-ons.
His electrifying performances in a wide role have seen Williams establish himself in the Spain set-up and Athletic moved quickly to tie the talented youngster down to a new contract earlier this season.
However, the extension to his deal contains a release clause of £42.8m and The Telegraph are reporting that Spurs are open to meeting that figure.
Spurs are yet to make a decision on whether to sign Timo Werner on a permanent basis, with the north Londoners containing an option to make the German’s loan spell from RB Leipzig permanent for a fee of around £14.5m The former Chelsea forward has scored twice and provided three assists in 11 appearances since joining the club in January.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s side are not alone in chasing a deal for Williams. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa have also been named as potential suitors, while Spanish outlet Sport have claimed he could turn down a move to the Premier League in favour of a 2025 transfer to Barcelona.
The winger formed part of the Athletic side that beat Mallorca on penalties to win the Copa del Rey at the weekend, ending a 40-year wait for a major trophy for the Basque side.
