Roy Keane floored by Liverpool transfer 'target' Daniel Sturridge called 'abnormal'

Liverpool-linked Nico Williams has been praised by pundit Roy Keane following his performance against Italy.

Williams provided the cross for what turned out to be the only goal of the game when Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori deflected the ball into his own net. In reality, Spain should have been out of sight, with Williams a constant menace to the Italian defence.

Liverpool are one of the clubs reportedly showing an interest in the 21-year-old in the summer transfer window. He currently plays for La Liga club Athletic Bilbao and provided 19 assists in 37 appearances last season, as well as scoring eight times in all competitions.

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Williams, according to The Athletic, is said to have a release clause of €55 million (£49m). But Liverpool face competition for the forward, with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle also linked with an interest.

His performances at Euro 2024 will only increase the number of clubs wanting to sign him in the summer. He has certainly caught the eye of Keane, who was working as a pundit for the match.

“Pure quality. He has pace, you can't coach that,” he told ITV Sport. “We saw [in] the first half he's a threat.

“When he gets one-vs-one against the full-back, he's in all sorts of trouble. He can go left or right, we saw with his shooting power and his crossing. Excellent play, best player of the park, strength, a great attitude, strong.”

Keane is not the only pundit impressed by the Spain forward. Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has also sung his praises after his performance against Italy.

“Lamine Yamal is top class and Nico Williams is doing bits!” He wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “These 2 guys are abnormal in terms of wingers for Spain. Speed, skill and direct! Spain have a bright future with these 2.”