Man City poised to trump Liverpool for £38m La Liga star
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Manchester City have no problem spending big for new recruits, a readiness they showed as recently as last summer when splashing over £125m on just three players. It can therefore come as no surprise to see them lining up a £38m move for their latest target.
Inaki Williams of Athletic Bilbao isn’t yet a household name and doesn’t quite possess the kind of record that typically demands a lofty transfer fee, but at 21-years-old is highly rated in Spain and is attracting a host of interest.
Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool are all known admirers of the striker, according to a report from the Sunday Express, but it is the Citizens who head the queue for his signature.
Williams has only recently extended his contract with the Basque-country club, putting pen to paper on a new deal which includes a €50m release clause. According to the Express, that stipulation has done little to dissuade the Citizens.
An emerging talent that has represented Spain at U21 level, Williams isn’t a regular starter for The Lions, but has enjoyed a fruitful campaign with his home-town club this term.
The frontman, who can play anywhere along the forward line, has made 15 La Liga appearances for Bilbao in 2015/16 and has netted six times.
His record extends 10 goals in 24 appearances when all competitions are thrown into the mix and he notched three times in 25 outings when handed a taste of first-team action last season.
Those numbers show that Williams is still a developing player, but one that could pay off handsomely for City should they beat off their competitors for his signature.
Having earned a draw with West Ham in east London last time out, Manuel Pellegrini’s men are three points off Leicester in the race for the Premier League title and are rated at 6/4 to win it with Ladbrokes.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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