Man Utd preparing £69m offer for priority target after 'months of intensive scouting'

Manchester United are preparing an €80 million (£69m) offer for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, according to reports, but they will need to fight off some serious competition to make a deal happen.

Williams was one of the most sought-after players in world football last summer as several clubs, including Arsenal and Barcelona, chased a deal to sign the winger.

In fact, it was widely reported in June that the Catalan giants had agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old over a six-year deal that included an annual wage of around €12 million (£10.4m).

However, Williams turned down the opportunity to join his close friend, Lamine Yamal, at the Camp Nou and decided to stay at Los Leones with his brother, Inaki.

He penned an eight-year contract extension with Bilbao, with the deal featuring a €90 million [£77 million] release clause.

Nico Williams is expected to have plenty of suitors this summer. Image credit: Getty

Despite his decision to stay put, Williams continues to be linked with a move away from San Mames.

Arsenal and Barcelona are expected to renew their interest, while Manchester United have been scouting the Spain international for months, according to Fichajes.

The report goes on to claim that the United hierarchy is 'convinced' that the winger is the 'missing piece to complete a top-tier attacking system'.

A fee of around €80 million (£69m) is being discussed by those behind the scenes at Old Trafford – a sum that would 'immediately unlock negotiations' with Bilbao, according to the report.

Earlier this month, interim manager Michael Carrick said United could look to sign a left winger this summer as they look to replace Alejandro Garnacho, who joined Chelsea last summer.

Marcus Rashford is also expected to join Barcelona following his season-long loan.

Matheus Cunha has been deployed on the left hand side this season. Image credit: Getty

Asked if left-wing was an area that needed addressing, Carrick said: "I think you're always looking at the balance of the team and the squad to give you the utmost flexibility, so it's definitely something to look at, for sure."

"We can still be dangerous," he added. "Matheus [Cunha] has played that role and caused big problems and had big moments. When he plays wide, he is tough to stop one-on-one."