Aston Villa's long running pursuit of Athletic Club star Nico Williams may have been handed a boost as his agent has admitted contract renewals have 'stalled'.

That's according to El Correo, who cover comments from the agent today urging the Spanish side to get a deal done.

Williams' contract with Athletic expires at the end of this season and he is yet to commit to a new deal, leading clubs to line up and try to secure him on a free transfer.

Aston Villa are one of them, having been interested in the forward for some time, trying to sign him in January last year and then again in the summer.

Indeed, a recent report even indicated that the player had met with Aston Villa manager Unai Emery in a hotel to discuss a possible move.

That never led to anything, but their interest has not waned and El Correo now report that negotiations between the player and Athletic have hit a 'slowdown'. They say that everything indicated a new agreement would be signed but his agent is now assuring that there is 'still a way to go'.

There are still several points in the negotiation on which there is no agreement and that is why Felix Tainta has publicly asked the club to listen to the footballer.

"In a few months the contract will end, let us not forget. There is no definitive offer from the club or the player," he is quoted as saying.

The newspaper also adds that the agent confirmed there is no proposal on the table at present and one sticking point remains the player's determination to ensure he maintains his current release clause of EUR50m.

That demand is something we've heard before and now seems to be holding matters back, giving Aston Villa another chance at getting their man, with it already stated that they're willing to pay in the January transfer window.

That opportunity could now be presented to them as the forward is yet to sign a new deal and doesn't appear to be getting closer to doing so.