Barcelona will have to battle it out with Newcastle United to sign Athletic Club star Nico Williams in 2024.
That’s according to Sport, who state the Catalan club have already started planning for next summer and the 21-year-old is one of their priority targets. They have even held talks with his agent, Félix Tainta.
Williams’ contract expires in 2024 and includes a €50m release clause. His club are working to tie him down to a new deal and if there’s no agreement before the end of this year, he’ll be free to negotiate with other clubs from January.
This is what Barca would be hoping for but Sport warn them that they have to be wary of competition from other clubs, and this is when Newcastle get a mention.
It’s claimed Premier League sides, with Aston Villa and Liverpool also mentioned, are showing keen interest in the Spain international.
The newspaper further adds Eddie Howe’s side are following Williams’ situation at the Basque club closely.
Barca are focused on signing the attacker for free next summer. The Tyneside club could get ahead of them by making an approach for Williams in January.
