‘We are aware’ - Newcastle United await green light for £47m ace tearing up Euro 2024
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is available for £47million and Newcastle United are reportedly interested
Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte has revealed the club are in no desperate need to sell highly-coveted winger Nico Williams.
Newcastle United are one of several Premier League clubs linked with the 21-year-old, who is currently tearing up Euro 2024 for Spain. The Athletic reported earlier this month that Williams has a £47million release clause in his contract.
Capable of playing on either flank, Williams, whose elder brother Inaki also plays for Bilbao, insisted he was “very happy” to stay put ahead of the Euros. He said: “I’m very happy at Athletic, it’s the club that has given me everything. It’s the club that has bet on me 100%.
“I’m very happy in Bilbao and that’s what I have to say. Yes, I am quite clear about it. Athletic is my home and I am very happy, now what I want to do is focus on the Euros.
“If you are not 100% in a competition for this one, they will overtake you. As for the rest, I don’t know what will happen.”
But that has done little to quash transfer speculation - with Newcastle reportedly interested. It is no secret that the Magpies are hunting for a right-sided attacker this summer to complete their fearsome frontline.
However, Athletic chief Uriarte has played down suggestions that they need to cash in. He said: “We have impressive talent in the squad. When things are like this, it’s normal that there are players who arouse interest, but we’re not here to talk about rumours.
“Nico is happy in Bilbao and at Athletic and we’re very happy with Nico. We don’t worry about or pay attention to rumours. We’re focused on creating an attractive project for all our players, fighting for titles and competing in Europe.
“The club has room for economic manoeuvre to sign players. We had to be able to ensure that the investment did not penalise the expenses. We had to balance the accounts and boost the income. That has been our way of acting. At the club, we are always aware of what is on the market and identify opportunities.”