Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is looking to step up interest in Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams as the situation around Philippe Coutinho develops.
According to the Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo (via Inside Futbol), Klopp is looking to extend his long-term admiration for the forward and follow-up with a formal bid.
A huge talent
The 23-year-old Williams has been considered a huge talent in the Spanish League for some time now. He has become a key player for Bilbao in recent years and has attracted attention from the English Premier League sides.
Liverpool have long been mentioned as one of the strongest admirers although interest from Manchester United has also been mentioned fleetingly.
He has scored 24 goals in 111 appearances for the Basque club and will add a new attacking dimension for Klopp.
The youngster was part of the Bilbao side that lost 3-1 to the Reds in the friendly clash on Saturday in Dublin. Athletic Bilbao’s goal was scored by Williams as he made the best of some comical defending by Alberto Moreno.
Backup for Coutinho?
No matter how much we deny the rumors linking playmaker Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, they tend to grab the headlines regularly.
Klopp has categorically ruled out a sale but there is nothing wrong in keeping options open. As Klopp had indicated last week, the Reds are trying to stay away from being a ‘one-player club’.
Having already strengthened the attack with the signings of Dominic Solanke and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool are looking to increase their options up front.
The long-term injury to Adam Lallana – he is due to be out of action for three months – and the situation of Daniel Sturridge is a cause enough for Klopp to look at alternatives.
Sturridge is trying to be fit for the season opener but his injury record raises a bit of worry. The club and manager are calm about Coutinho but in case it goes beyond control and moves towards a transfer, Williams could be a great replacement with his talents.
If not now, at least next year
The lure of Barcelona may come back next season for Coutinho and when the push becomes a shove, we never know if it sways the player. For that sake at least, I would love the club to continue building interest in Williams and snap him next summer.
What do you think?
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