Liverpool and Aston Villa are reportedly set to ‘test’ Athletic Bilbao’s resolve next summer with bids for two of their top players, Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet. 

The pair have both been in excellent form in Spain this season, attracting the interest of several top European clubs recently.

However, the Premier League duo will have to put their money where their mouth is to get the deals over the line, with the LaLiga outfit set to demand hefty fees for both players.

This is according to Sunday’s edition of AS, who claim that Athletic Bilbao will demand a fee of €50m (approx. £44.9m) for Williams.

Liverpool and Aston Villa both registered an interest in signing the winger in January but were ultimately unable to agree on a mid-season transfer.

In 20 league appearances this season, the 20-year-old has scored three goals and made five assists so far and is widely touted to become a top player in the future.

The player’s current deal is set to run out in June 2024, but he has a €50m release clause in his contract. Therefore, if Liverpool or Villa met that price, Bilbao would be powerless to stop him from leaving.

Williams could be an excellent investment for the future, so it will be interesting if he ends up in the Premier League next season.

Liverpool and Villa plot move for Sancet

Williams’ teammate, Sancet, has also been in fantastic form this season, so Liverpool and Villa could reportedly move for him next summer, too.

Since joining Bilbao in 2020, the attacking midfielder has scored 16 goals in 101 appearances for the Spanish club, along with contributing seven assists.

This season though, the Spaniard has already got his best return to date, netting seven goals in 20 league appearances so far.

Most recently, Sancet scored a stunning hattrick in a 4-1 victory over Cadiz on Friday, which caught the attention of several potential suitors.

AS reports does not state how much Bilbao would sell the 22-year-old for next summer, but Transfermarkt value him at €20m (approx. £18m).

But, if he keeps banging in the goals in LaLiga, his ultimate price tag could end up being much higher.

Just like with Williams, Sancet’s contract is set to run out 2024, so Bilbao currently have a big decision to make: attempt to renew their deals, or sell them at the end of the season while they can still get a decent return for both of them.

AS also state that while Liverpool and Aston Villa’s interest in the pair has been well documented, they have both been ‘loyal’ to Bilbao so far.

With that in mind, they remain confident that an extension can be penned. However, the Premier League is a big draw for young players especially, so if either side table sizeable offers for Williams and Sancet, a deal is possible.

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The article Liverpool, Aston Villa plot stunning double raid on Athletic Bilbao for £63m-rated attacking duo appeared first on Teamtalk.com.