Real Madrid 'join the race for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams'

Real Madrid have reportedly registered their interest in Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams.

The 21-year-old came up with four assists in his first four La Liga appearances of the season, but he has missed his side's last two league games due to injury.

Williams's future is currently the subject of much speculation, as his contract at San Mames is due to expire next June.

Manchester United and Liverpool are believed to lead the Premier League interest in the Spain international, while Barcelona are currently being heavily linked with his services.

A recent report claimed that Barcelona had been in touch with the forward's agent to discuss a possible switch to Camp Nou next year.

© Reuters

According to Sport, Real Madrid are also firmly in the race for a player who could potentially be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.

Los Blancos are at a disadvantage, though, as foreign clubs, as it stands, would be able to discuss a pre-contract with the Athletic attacker at the turn of the year.

The Lions are currently in talks with Williams over an extension, though, and it is widely thought that a new deal will be signed with an affordable release clause.

The Spaniard's current buy-out fee is thought to be around €50m (£42.9m), and Athletic forward Ernesto Valverde recently played down suggestions that the player could be on his way out.

© Reuters

"The noise around Nico happens when there are players who stand out, especially with young people because they are valued much more for the potential they may have in the future," he told reporters.

"It is something fictitious. There is a lot of talk about one player, then another, then another, and everything calms down as time goes by. We hope that Nico will be here with us for a long time."

Williams has scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists in 89 appearances for Athletic in all competitions, including six goals and nine assists in 76 La Liga appearances.

The forward largely operates on the right, but Real Madrid are, as it stands, no longer a team that play with wingers, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti largely using a 4-3-1-2 formation with Jude Bellingham operating behind a front two.