Reds to INSIST on signing €90m Spain forward

Liverpool declined the option of signing a direct replacement for Luis Diaz on the left wing last summer.

There is no doubt that losing the Colombian will have an impact on Arne Slot’s side – with the player having scored 13 goals en route to the Premier League title last season.

However, rather than head back into the market for a left winger, Arne Slot and Richard Hughes decided that Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha would be suitable in the position.

Gakpo, 26, signed a new contract and has got two goals as well as two assists in seven Premier League matches this season. Ngumoha, meanwhile, has also secured a new deal – and has already got off the mark with a goal against Newcastle.

Liverpool ready to move for Nico Williams

But whether Gakpo will be sufficient as a first-choice in the long term is as yet uncertain. That’s why we’ve seen links once again re-emerge with other high-standard attackers.

Liverpool were tipped to move for Nico Williams before he signed a bumper new contract with Athletic Bilbao. The 23-year-old however has had an up-and-down start to the season owing to muscle trouble.

Therefore it’s been suggested that his wages are now a drain on the Basque club and Liverpool could be ready to test their resolve with a bid.

Liverpool prepared to pay €75m for Nico Williams

He is under contract until 2035 – but his current deal apparently contains a €90m release clause.

Fichajes is now reporting that Liverpool will go in with a €75m bid for the Euro 2024 winner – and want to seal a deal before he heads off to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Spain.

“Liverpool is preparing a multi-million-pound offer to sign the Athletic Club winger,” the report reads.

“The goal is to close the deal before the 2026 World Cup, when its value could skyrocket.

“Although his release clause is around €90 million, Liverpool isn’t willing to pay the full amount. Their plan is to approach him with an offer of 75 million, hoping that the player’s physical problems will tip the balance.”

Williams’ season disrupted by injury

Williams started the season well initially but has since been reported absent owing to a groin injury.

He played a vital role in Athletic reeling off three successive league wins at the outset of the campaign – scoring twice and assisting once on the opening day – but his side have fallen off since then.

Williams missed four consecutive matches – none of which were won by Athletic Club – before making his comeback before the international window in a 2-1 win against Mallorca.

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