On Wednesday, both Marca and Cope reported Aston Villa’s desire to sign Nico Williams in the summer. Marca even went on to claim the Athletic Club Bilbao star is ‘close’ to packing his bags and making a switch to Villa Park.
Today’s AS backs up the Villans’ interest in the winger and points out they are ‘considering the possibility of paying’ his €50m release clause.
Sources have told the newspaper that there are ‘other clubs’ also interested in the 20-year-old.
His deal expires in 2024 and AS say his intention is to sit down with the La Liga side before making a decision on his future.
The Basque edition of Mundo Deportivo states the Spain international’s situation is ‘same as in recent months’ amid claims of interest from Aston Villa. From his environment, they have told MD that there’s ‘nothing new on the horizon’.
Despite receiving interest from Unai Emery’s side, it’s claimed Athletic are ‘confident that he will continue’ with them next season.
Although they haven’t sat down with his agent for his renewal, the Spanish club have been trying to ‘meet around the table for some time’. Williams’ entourage say the ‘time will come’ to hold talks with his employer over a new deal.
Mundo acknowledge that Aston Villa are one of Williams’ suitors but suggest the deal to take him to Villa Park, at least for now, is not as close as reported elsewhere. 
There’s confidence at the club that Williams will be at the club next season.
This report comes less than a day after El Correo, a reliable newspaper from Bilbao, suggested Williams could end up staying at Athletic despite Aston Villa’s interest.
