Report: Man United open talks with LaLiga star whom Mourinho prefers over Lamine Yamal

Manchester United have reportedly identified Nico Williams as the right profile to replace Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford.

The Englishman appears to be heading towards the exit door after being omitted from the matchday squad on three occasions in a row, missing the contests against Man City, Tottenham and Bournemouth. In his press conference on Christmas Eve, Ruben Amorim insisted that the 27-year-old is trying to work his way back to selection, but hints he’ll remain out for now.

Obviously, the Red Devils cannot afford to leave one of their top stars (as well as biggest earners) on the sidelines for too long, while the player is unlikely to tolerate this controversial treatment, so as Gary Neville suggested earlier, a breakup appears to be inevitable at this stage.

Therefore, the Premier League giants are already searching for a replacement, and according to ElDesmarque (via TuttmercatoWeb), they have set their sights on Williams who rose to stardom during Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign.

Man United following Nico Williams

The report claims Man Utd have already opened talks with the player’s entourage. The Athletic Bilbao winger is reportedly worth circa €70 million, but the Red Devils will attempt to activate his release clause if they manage to sell Rashford in January.

Williams is considered one of the most exciting young stars in LaLiga, and former Man United coach Jose Mourinho has recently sung his praise, revealing he prefers the 22-year-old over Barcelona’s outrageous teenager Lamine Yamal.

Nevertheless, the source warns the Red Devils of competition from Bayern Munich who are also keeping tabs on the Bilbao star. The Bavarians are considering revamping their wing department amidst the uncertain futures of Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman, so the Spain international has emerged as possible solution.