Athletic Club are said to have given up hope of keeping hold of Nico Williams after the Spain star asked his agent to meet with Deco to discuss a move.
Barcelona are now believed to be really eager to land Williams and are hoping to add him to the squad this summer.
According to Radio Marca Bilbao, Athletic have “given up” on Williams after seeing him ignore their latest contract offer. The Basque side had proposed an extension worth €7-8m per season (the biggest contract in their history) but he simply did not respond.
Williams instead appears to be determined to secure a move to Barcelona but Athletic won’t make it easy. He has a release clause in his contract and the Basques will demand it is paid in full and not in installments.
Barcelona are said to have already agreed personal terms with Williams but now need to find a way to pay his release clause and get him registered.