Manchester United and Liverpool have reportedly joined Barcelona in the race to sign Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams next year.

The 21-year-old's contract at San Mames is due to expire at the end of the season, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.

Barcelona are believed to have been in contact with the Spain international's agent to discuss the possibility of signing him in 2024.

However, according to FootballTransfers, both Man United and Liverpool are also keen on the attacker, who is in discussions with Athletic over a new deal.

The report claims that Man United could make a move for Williams in January due to the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Antony and Jadon Sancho.

Antony is currently on a leave of absence due to a personal issue, with the Brazil international being accused of violence towards three different women.

Sancho, meanwhile, is currently out of the first-team picture due to his falling-out with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag, who has admitted that the forward might not play for the club again.

Williams has scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists in 89 appearances for Athletic in all competitions, including four assists in four La Liga appearances this term.

Athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde is confident that his side will be able to keep hold of the forward, telling reporters last week: "The noise around Nico happens when there are players who stand out, especially with young people because they are valued much more for the potential they may have in the future.

"It is something fictitious. There is a lot of talk about one player, then another, then another, and everything calms down as time goes by. We hope that Nico will be here with us for a long time."

Meanwhile, Athletic president Jon Uriarte added to Movistar: "Both Nico and his family are very happy in Bilbao and at Athletic Bilbao. We both are working so that he can stay here for many years."

Williams's existing deal with Athletic is said to include a release clause of €50m (£42.9m), and there could allegedly be a similar buy-out fee included in a new deal to prevent him leaving on a free transfer next year.

The forward was not involved in his side's 3-0 win over Cadiz on Saturday due to an injury that he picked up while representing Spain during the international break. body check tags ::