MADRID, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Right back Jesus Areso completed a return to Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday when he joined the club from Osasuna for the second time in his career.

Areso joins for a fee close to his 12-million-euro (14 million US dollars) release clause and has signed a six-year contract until the end of June 2031, with Athletic holding off interest from Atletico Madrid.

The transfer marks the 26-year-old's second move from Osasuna to Athletic Bilbao, following his initial transfer in 2017, when Athletic paid 450,000 euros for his services.

He spent three seasons in the club's B-team making 55 appearances, but rejected offers of a new contract to return to Osasuna in 2021 and after overcoming a serious leg injury, he has been first choice for the Pamplona-based club in the last two seasons, making 76 appearances in La Liga.

A rapid and powerful attacking right back, Areso replaces Oscar de Marcos, who retired at the end of last season after a record 572 appearances for the club.

Athletic is also thought to be close to a deal to re-sign Spain international Aymeric Laporte from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr as the club prepares to return to the Champions League next season after last season's fourth place finish in La Liga. ■