Athletic Club president speaks out on Nico Williams with Liverpool 'on the prowl'

Athletic Club de Bilbao president Jon Uriarte has spoken out on the future of star forward Nico Williams, amid interest from Liverpool.

The 21-year-old forward's current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season and the Reds are among those keeping tabs on his situation.

Last week reports in Spain, claimed that Liverpool and Barcelona have asked about Williams, who turned down a move to Aston Villa this summer.

While Williams and Athletic Club are currently in talks over new terms, Liverpool would be allowed to agree a pre-contract to sign the ten-cap Spain international on a free transfer for next summer from as early as January, if he has not extended his current deal by the turn of the year.

READ MORE: How will Liverpool replace Mohamed Salah when the time comes?

However, Athletic Club president Uriarte is counting on Williams' loyalty as negotiations continue.

He told Gol TV, via AS: “Nico, like his family, Iñaki, his mother, are very happy. in Bilbao. They love Athletic. They love our project . We are working hard on both sides so that he can stay,”

Nico's older brother Iñaki supposedly turned down a move to Anfield back in 2019. AS's report notes that Liverpool are 'on the prowl' as the younger sibling's situation continues to be uncertain.

Seen as a rising star of Spanish football, Williams scored nine goals and registered six assists in 43 games in 2022/23.

Anfield Watch's own Danny Corcoran made the case for the 21-year-old as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah on Liverpool's right wing, writing earlier this summer: "Where the Pamplona born forward thrives is in one against ones and progressing the ball up the pitch through his dribbling.

"He ranks in the 95th percentile for progressive carries per 90 (5.9) and the 92nd percentile for successful take ons per 90 (2.81). He does this through his frightening pace and the ability to use both feet."