The phrase ‘closely monitored’ is despised by many for the unreliable transfer reports it so often accompanies yet the term ‘followed’ might well be just as unhelpful.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has reaffirmed suggestions that Liverpool have previously shown interest in Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams.
In response to a question put to him on Facebook, Balague told Sky Sports: “He was followed by Liverpool and has a €50m buyout clause. I’m not sure any team would be willing to pay that right now because he has not proved that valuation. He is in no rush but he is certainly looking abroad should he move.”
SEE MORE:
Klopp’s big admission about English football
While it by no means hints at any progress in Liverpool’s supposed pursuit of Williams, it can be seen to reiterate Jurgen Klopp’s desire to add more pace, power and athleticism to his squad in the summer.
The 22-year-old’s reported price-tag does appear to be extremely high and could put Liverpool off, even despite the Fenway Sports Group owners preparing to hand Klopp the largest transfer kitty in the club’s history.
Big money will inevitably be spent at the end of the season to bolster this squad’s strength in depth but we suspect Williams will be some way down the pecking order behind the likes of Julian Brandt and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in terms of attacking targets.
The Spaniard has scored four goals and made six assists in 32 La Liga appearances for Bilbao so far this season.