The release clause on a 21-year-old Spanish goal machine is worth £45 million, and Villa is prepared to exercise it.
Latest Aston Villa transfer news from BirminghamLive includes an update on Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams after Villa rejection
Nico Williams’ contract demands at Athletic Bilbao could hand Aston Villa a helping hand if the club are to reignite their interest in January.
Villa tried to sign the 21-year-old in the summer, with reports stating Unai Emery held talks with the winger to convince him over a move. Although Villa were prepared to trigger his £45million release clause, Williams decided to stay in Spain.Since then, Bilbao have been keen to tie him down to a long-term contract to avoid losing him for nothing when his contract runs out next summer. However, there is one stumbling block between the parties, according to
It is said that the main issue is “finding a deal that suits both parties,” with Williams insisting on signing a short-term contract with a clause that leaves him open to leave in the future.
Talks are claimed to be “progressing at a good pace,” and there is belief he will put pen-to-paper on a new deal as long as three elements are agreed. Those being his annual salary, the duration of his contract and the termination clause.
Williams currently has a €50million (£44m) release clause and as it stands, he would be open to start speaking to clubs from January when the window opens.
Aston Villa v West Ham United – what are the odds?
Betway spokesman, Chad Yeomans, said “Both sides will want to continue their strong starts to the season as the League gets back underway. Emery’s side have now won their last 10 matches on home soil in the Premier League and Villa Park is rapidly becoming a fortress. It’s no surprise Villa are the odds-on favourites for this fixture at 7/8, while West Ham after a good draw last time out at Newcastle are 11/4, with the draw at 14/5.
Our latest figures indicate punters think that it will be a close contest with Villa just edging it 2-1, available at 15/2.”“Villa have a potent attack and main goal threat Ollie Watkins was on target again for England during the international break scoring the only goal of the game against Australia. He’s available at a boosted price of 9/2 to score first and we’ve also boosted the price on popular FPL pick and the super attacking Matty Cash to score from outside the box to 15/2.”
