Brighton ‘join Liverpool and Man United in the race to sign highly-touted winger Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao’… with the 21-year-old’s contract at the San Mames set to expire at the end of the season

• Brighton have reportedly joined race to sign Spain international Nico Williams
• Athletic Bilbao star’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season
• Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here

Brighton have reportedly entered the chase to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.

The 21-year-old has become one of the most prized talents in La Liga due to his performances for the Basque club since making his first team debut in April of 2021.

Spain boss Luis Enrique handed Williams a call up the following year, and he has since amassed ten caps for La Roja, including all four of Spain’s matches at the 2022 World Cup, coming on as a substitute as they were dumped out of the competition by Morocco in the Round of 16.

Williams has courted attention from a number of Premier League clubs including Aston Villa, who looked set to sign him in January after activating his £45m release clause.

Despite a move appearing close, Williams rejected the £120,000-a-week contract offer from Unai Emery’s side, electing to remain in Bilbao.

Brighton are reportedly interested in signing 21-year-old Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams

Roberto De Zerbi’s side could land the winger for £26m in the January window with his contract nearing expiration

Williams represented Spain at the World Cup, coming on as a substitute during their Round of 16 defeat to Morocco

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However, according to a report from Spanish-language publication Fichajes.com, Brighton have entered the race to bring Williams to the Premier League, with Liverpool and Man United also keeping tabs on the winger.

Williams has just twelve months remaining on his current deal at the San Mames Stadium, and the club could look to cash in on their academy graduate to prevent him leaving on a free.

Barcelona are reportedly interesting in signing Williams in the summer if his contract is to expire, but Bilbao are said to be prepared to allow him to leave for a cut-price fee of £26m should a team come in for him during the January window.

Williams is currently sidelined with injury, but he enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, notching four assists in his first four games for the Basques before being sidelined. 

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