The rule that could stop Barcelona signing Nico Williams revealed, Manchester United face rival interest in key targets  -  Euro Transfer News

We review the latest European transfer news, with Nico Williams’ potential move to Barcelona this summer reportedly at risk. Meanwhile, sought-after Canadian striker Jonathan David appears increasingly set for a Serie A switch, Alvaro Morata could be linking up with former Spain team-mate Cesc Fabregas, and another Manchester United target is attracting interest from rival clubs.

Athletic Club planning to block Williams' transfer to Barcelona

Athletic Club appear determined to hold on to superstar winger Nico Williams, or at least block his transfer to Barcelona.

The 22-year-old, who has scored 31 goals in 167 appearances for the Basque side, has attracted interest from a number of top European clubs this summer.

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Barca are said to be leading the race to sign Williams, who could soon be playing club football alongside his international team-mate, Yamine Yamal.

According to German transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, Barca’s president Joan Laporta is keen to trigger his €58 million (£49m) release clause and get the deal done.

However, as reported by Spanish newspaper Sport, Bilbao are prepared to "fight to the bitter end" to prevent the transfer.

It’s claimed they plan to leverage La Liga’s "1:1" rule, which states that a club can only spend the same amount of money it brings in.

Top officials at San Mames don’t believe Barcelona currently meet these financial requirements, and will reportedly push La Liga and the RFEF (Spain’s football governing body) to block any attempts to complete the Williams deal until the rules are complied with.

'Exciting, explosive' Nico Williams compared to Yamal by Ferdinand

Video credit: TNT Sports

David close to Juventus move, but agent fees holding up the deal

It’s being reported in Italy that Jonathan David has reached a verbal agreement to sign for Serie A giants, Juventus.

The Canadian forward is in high demand this summer as he prepares to leave Lille as a free agent, having scored 109 goals from 232 appearances across five seasons.

He has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but it is looking increasingly likely that he will move to Italy.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta claims David, 25, wants to join Juventus and has verbally agreed to sign for the Turin giants.

However, the deal is allegedly being held up in a dispute over agent fees. Juve are said to be unwilling to stump up the requested €15m (£13m), despite the opportunity to sign him on a free from Lille.

It’s understood that David wants his representatives to lower their demands to make the deal happen, as a fresh round of talks are scheduled for this week.

Morata says yes to Como - Romano

Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Alvaro Morata is on the brink of a surprise transfer to Cesc Fabregas’ Como.

The Spanish striker, 32, is currently on loan at Galatasaray from AC Milan, however it’s understood talks are underway for a return to Serie A.

Discussions will need to be had about the conditions of his loan move as he is due to stay in Turkey until January 2026.

The experienced striker scored six times in his 12 appearances for the Turkish side this year.

Morata, who has strong relations with Fabregas having played alongside him at international level for Spain, is said to be keen to sign for Como.

He also boasts plenty of experience in Serie A, having completed two stints with Juventus on top of his limited time with AC Milan.

Galatasaray eyeing Villa duo

Aston Villa narrowly missed out on UEFA Champions League football for next season and that could prove costly in this summer’s transfer market.

Galatasaray are interested in signing goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and defender Lucas Digne, according to French football news website, Foot Mercato.

The Turkish side will reportedly pay around €27m (£23m) for the pair, as they prepare for their league title defence.

This could be a blow for Manchester United, who have been rumoured to sign Martinez as a replacement goalkeeper for Andre Onana.

There has also been European interest for Digne, with Atletico Madrid reported to be keen on the player.

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