Athletic Club to 'defend its interests' after meeting with La Liga as Spanish side prepare to block Barcelona's pursuit of Nico Williams

Barca sporting director Deco confirmed earlier this week that the club are keen to sign Williams, something Athletic are prepared to contest considering their rivals' financial woes. They have released a statement confirming they have met with La Liga to discuss the case.

Athletic Club said: "The meeting was held in Madrid in response to a request from Athletic Club made within the framework of compliance with financial fair play. Among the topics discussed was FC Barcelona's ability to sign players after FC Barcelona sporting director Deco publicly acknowledged that they will try to sign a player from our first team. Deco's statements add to the public statements made by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta himself, admitting that the Blaugrana club "is working to be within the 1:1 rule" and that, therefore, it is not currently within the parameters of said rule for registering players."

Barcelona's financial situation has long been messy, with the club most recently receiving a fine from UEFA for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations. They continue to sign players, though, with the Williams saga following the capture of goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol.

The signing of Williams would certainly boost Barca from a football perspective, with the winger doing so much damage for the Spain national team when teamed up with Lamine Yamal.