Liverpool have slapped a £15million price tag on Neco Williams as they prepare for an influx of interest in the right-back.
Williams has seen his stock rise considerably following an impressive loan spell during the second half of the season at Fulham, whom he helped to the Championship title and seal promotion to the Premier League.
The 21-year-old was also part of the Wales team that on Sunday beat Ukraine 1-0 to clinch qualification to the World Cup for the first time in 64 years.
READ MORE: Liverpool close in on Calvin Ramsay transfer as summer recruitment drive continues
READ MORE: Darwin Nunez sent Liverpool and Manchester United transfer message
YOUR SHOUT: Have your say on what Liverpool need in summer transfer window
Liverpool have already fielded a number of calls regarding Williams, with Fulham among those looking to seal a permanent transfer with Cottagers boss Marco Silva having previously expressed his admiration.
And while the Reds want £15m for his services - similar to the asking price for Nat Phillips, who shone in a similar loan move to Bournemouth - they will be more than happy to keep a player who came through the Academy ranks and has made 33 senior appearances, although he has played only 84 minutes in the Premier League since December 2020 with Trent Alexander-Arnold the clear first-choice right-back.
Liverpool are nevertheless looking to strengthen their options in the position with the signing of 18-year-old Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen. They will offer a deal worth around £4m plus add-ons, and are waiting for the Scotland under-21 international to decide whether he wants a move to Anfield before pursuing the transfer.
Conor Bradley, the 18-year-old Northern Ireland international right-back who broke into the Liverpool first-team this term and was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award, will take part in the Reds' pre-season preparations, after which there will be a decision on whether he will go out on loan with a number of Championship clubs reported to be interested.
Williams, meanwhile, admits he feels like "a kid at Christmas" after Wales secured their place at the World Cup following a qualification campaign hampered by a number of obstacles, including having to wait over two months to play the delayed play-off final against Ukraine after its territory had been invaded by Russia.
“It’s been a long campaign,” he said. “Lots of confusion, rescheduled games, and of course the final was put back because of the situation in Ukraine.
"It was just relief at the end. It was like walking downstairs when you’re a kid at Christmas and seeing all the presents. Just an unbelievable feeling that is difficult to put into words. I need a few days to sit down and think about it.”
