The 21-year-old has had a fine start to the season with the Basque outfit and he has scored one goal and provided five assists.

His current deal expires in the summer but William is prepared to sign a renewal with Bilbao for the same release clause (€50m).

Liverpool are currently in the lead to land his signature, but they face a stumbling block due to the player's preference.

Williams is not looking for a move abroad at the current phase of his career and prefers to join another elite club in La Liga.

He has his sights on joining Real Madrid. This is a potential blow for the Reds, who are eyeing a successor to Mohamed Salah .

Salah is on the radar of several Saudi Arabian clubs and there are claims that he could leave the Reds at the end of the season.

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