Nottingham Forest have opened negotiations with Liverpool about a £15m transfer for defender Neco Williams.
The Wales international, part of the team which has qualified for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham and impressed while helping the Cottagers gain promotion to the Premier League as Championship winners.
The 21-year-old scored two goals in 14 appearances, but is unlikely to remain at Anfield despite demonstrating his progress, with teenage Scottish right-back Calvin Ramsay already signed by this summer.
The former Aberdeen player is set to serve as understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold, which was the squad role Williams’ previously occupied before his temporary switch to ’s side.
Now, the reports that Nottingham Forest have taken an interest in securing Williams’ signature, after they were promoted to top flight for the first time in the 21st century after overcoming Huddersfield in the play-off final at Wembley.
Williams has made 33 first-team appearances for Liverpool since making his debut in a penalty shootout win over Arsenal in 2019, but only eight came in the first portion of last season before his loan spell.
Fulham are said to retain an interest in Williams, but Forest manager Steve Cooper is confident he can secure a deal.
Forest are also trying to complete a pair of signings from the Bundesliga, including another ex-Liverpool youngster.
Cooper has identified Union Berlin’s Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi as his primary target in attack, and a club record £17.5m fee has been agreed. Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate is also being courted, but an opening bid has reportedly been rejected.
, .
,  and .
