Man City to 'compete with Real Madrid for Nico Williams' and more transfer rumours

Manchester City will face competition from Real Madrid for the signing of Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, according to reports.

As per El Nacional, the reigning Premier League champions are interested in the Spanish winger, who has enjoyed a breakout season this year. He has registered three goals and three assists in eight La Liga appearances so far this term.

His strong showings are said to have caught the eye of both City and Madrid, with both clubs reportedly willing to pay the 20-year-old's €50m release clause. Nico - brother of fellow Bilbao star Inaki Williams - made his Spain debut in September of this year and registered an assist in the Nations League win over Portugal.

The report also claims that City boss Pep Guardiola is 'personally interested' in recruiting Williams, suggesting that his interest in the winger could prove to be an advantage for the Premier League giants.

Elsewhere, the Daily and Sunday Express report that City are interested in Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka - claiming that the 27-year-old has 'received calls' from both City and Chelsea about a potential move to England.

The Slovakia international, who joined the Serie A giants halfway through the 2019/20 season from Celta Vigo, is said to be in talks with Napoli over a new contract. However, the report states that the club and Lobotka's agent disagree on the improved terms of the deal.

Therefore, he has been linked with a move away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona amid interest from a number of clubs around the globe. Lobotka can be utilised in a number of different midfield roles, and has played in every match for Napoli so far this term.