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Sources: Aston Villa line up January move for Athletic Bilbao star Inaki Williams
Aston Villa are exploring a potential move for Athletic Bilbao star Inaki Williams ahead of the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Midlands giants are scouring the market for a striker with the new year approaching, and the 29-year-old is seen as someone who fits the bill.
It is believed Unai Emery is a big admirer of Williams following their overlapping time in La Liga.
The Ghana international’s age is not considered a problem for the Villa boss – as he wants someone who is “ready to go” upon arrival at Villa Park, sources say.
Emery doesn’t want to have to bed in another forward following a fall-out with January 2023 signing Jhon Duran over his attitude on the training ground.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (14 November) that Aston Villa are planning to let Duran, 19, go out on loan in January after clashes with the Spaniard at the club’s Bodymoor Heath training ground.
Williams is being targetted as Villa try to reduce the huge reliance on talisman Ollie Watkins, who has hit 11 goals so far in the 2023-24 campaign.
However, a well-placed source has told Football Insider it could be hard to prise the forward away from Bilbao – where he is under contract until June 2028.
He has played on the right-hand side of a three-pronged Bilbao attack this season, starting every game in the Spanish top flight and registering five goals and three assists.
Williams can also lead the line and has done so for Ghana in his eight caps for the Black Stars.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (17 November) that Aston Villa are also keen on Roma’s Tammy Abraham.
However, the former Villa Park loanee is expected to be out injured until around March.
In other news, Aston Villa reach full agreement over behind the scenes deal.