Manchester United transfer news: Inaki Williams reveals summer interest before signing new Athletic Club deal

The Spanish forward signed a nine-year contract with the Basque side this summer

Harry Latham-Coyle
Wednesday 11 September 2019 11:32 BST
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Inaki Williams has revealed that he had contact with Manchester United before signing a new deal at Athletic Bilbao.

The 25-year-old was linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer but instead signed a nine-year deal with the Basque side.

But Williams has now confirmed that Manchester United spoke with him before he secured that new contract, though his preference was always to stay in Bilbao.

“I had contact from Manchester United but I cannot tell you who it was,” Williams told Spanish radio outlet Cadena Ser.

“My number one option has always been to stay at Athletic Club and to retire here. Joining Real Sociedad? No, I could never go there. 100%.”

Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez both departed United for Inter Milan during the summer transfer window.

While Daniel James has made a promising start to his career in Manchester, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was believed to have been keen for further reinforcement in forward areas.

Williams’ new contract includes a release clause of €135 million.

Bilbao-born to Ghanian parents, the Spain international made his debut for Athletic in 2014 and has since made over 150 appearances for the club.

“Hopefully great things can come because what I want to make this club bigger, if possible,” Williams said after signing his new deal.

“This, as you can see, is my house, and all I want, I have it here. The club has always bet on me, it has given me everything, I feel it is my home.”

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