BILBAO, Spain -- Ernesto Valverde has said he's hopeful Athletic Club can fend off interest from Barcelona and the Premier League and keep Nico Williams in Bilbao next season.
Williams is set to lead Athletic Club in their Europa League semifinal first leg against Manchester United at San Mamés on Thursday.
It comes amid renewed talk of a move to either Barcelona, Arsenal or Chelsea in the summer. Valverde, however, is determined to keep hold of the 22-year-old winger.
"Nico is a very important player for us, it's true," the Athletic Club head coach said.