Atletico Bilbao are confident they can keep hold of Iker Muniain following the departure of Ander Herrera to Manchester United.
Bilbao want Muniain to commit his future to the club by signing a new contract until 2018 but Liverpool are known to be interested in the man who made his Bilbao debut at just 16.
And until the 21 year-old signs a new deal, he can still be available for £36m and with clubs such as Liverpool interested, he was expected to leave this summer.
However Liverpool have been reluctant to pay that sort of sum, despite reports in Spain saying they are still heavily interested in acquiring his services.
It seems that neither Bilbao nor Muniain himself are keen on a transfer until a sum of money is agreed.
Reports also suggest that the midfielder wants to continue his playing career in Spain and both parties are confident that a new deal will be reached before the start of their pre-season on July 7.
Nevertheless, Muniain and Herrera are still close so there could be a certain persuasion to a Premier League switch, plus if Liverpool are willing to match the £36m release clause then Muniain’s future will certainly be under speculation.
By Phil Wellbrook
