Liverpool are one of four clubs competing for the signature of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to TEAMtalk.

The website claims that the Reds, Chelsea and Aston Villa have been “on his trail” for quite some time but they may now have to contend with Barcelona if they want to buy him this summer.

Williams is being eyed as a potential replacement for Raphinha, with the La Liga side expected to reinvest the proceeds from the Brazilian’s sale in the Athletic Bilbao forward.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are still weighing up whether to make a concerted effort to sign the 21-year-old, who could be brought in if the Merseysiders opt to sell Luis Diaz.

Williams is available for an affordable price

The Spanish international only signed a contract extension back in December, keeping him at Bilbao until the summer of 2027. However, it included an attainable release clause.

Williams can be snapped up for only €50m (£43m) in the next transfer window and it is a figure that will tempt the Reds and other interested clubs to make an approach.

Should Liverpool replace Diaz?

The Colombian international is believed to be one of the names that Paris Saint-Germain are considering to replace Kylian Mbappe, with the Frenchman expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Reports suggest that the Reds could be persuaded to part ways with Diaz if an offer in the region of £75m is tabled. He will turn 28 next year, and his goal return is rather average (13 goals in 49 matches).

Whether Williams would be an upgrade, it is up for debate. The winger has scored only 4 league goals this campaign (7 in all competitions). At 21 years of age, he does have the potential to improve in the future but, if the club are to replace Diaz, they may be better off signing someone who guarantees more of an end product.