Roy Keane and Daniel Sturridge agree on 'abnormal' forward tipped for $59m Liverpool transfer

Nico Williams, who has been touted as a potential Liverpool transfer target this summer, has been lauded by soccer pundit Roy Keane after his impressive performance against Italy. Former Reds striker Daniel Sturridge is also a big fan of the winger.

Williams was instrumental in the only goal of the game as Spain beat Italy 1-0 on Thursday night when his cross was inadvertently deflected into the net by Italy's Riccardo Calafiori. Spain could have easily widened the gap, with Williams consistently troubling the Italian defense.

The 21-year-old Athletic Bilbao player is on Liverpool's radar for the summer transfer window, according to HITC. Last season, he provided 19 assists and scored eight goals in 37 appearances.

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According to The Athletic, Williams' release clause stands at $59m (£47m/€55m). However, Liverpool isn't the only club interested in him; Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Newcastle are also said to be keen.

His performances in Euro 2024 will likely attract more clubs looking to secure his services in the summer. Keane, who was a pundit for the match, certainly seems impressed. "Pure quality. He has pace, you can't coach that," he commented on ITV Sport. "We saw [in] the first half he's a threat.

"When he gets one-vs-one against the full-back, he's in all sorts of trouble. He can go left or right, we saw with his shooting power and his crossing. Excellent play, best player of the park, strength, a great attitude, strong."

Keane isn't alone in his admiration for the Spanish ace. Ex-Liverpool hitman Daniel Sturridge has been waxing lyrical about him following his dazzling display versus Italy.

"Lamine Yamal is top class and Nico Williams is doing bits! " he posted on X, formerly Twitter. "These 2 guys are abnormal in terms of wingers for Spain. Speed, skill and direct! Spain have a bright future with these 2."

Liverpool.com says: Williams has arguably been the player of the tournament so far but the Reds won't be buying him only on that basis. He is on big money at Bilbao and any move would need to bear that in mind. The other thing to consider is Luis Diaz's future: it is hard to see Williams being an option unless the Colombian departs.