Nottingham Forest could have one less rival when it comes to their pursuit of Liverpool defender Neco Williams.
The Reds are said to have seen an opening bid rejected for the Wales international, having put forward an initial offer of £11 million, with extras worth about £4m. Liverpool reportedly want “a larger guaranteed sum” closer to their £15m valuation.
But Forest are not the only club keen on the 21-year-old. Southampton have been credited with an interest, as have Fulham, after Williams spent the second half of last season on loan at Craven Cottage.
READ MORE: Forest have £11m Liverpool bid 'rejected' as transfer state of play outlined
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However, the Cottagers have reportedly moved on to “cheaper options”. The Daily Mail claim talks have been held over an £8m deal for Kevin Mbabu, from Wolfsburg, while free agent Djibril Sidibe is also on their radar.
Williams is said to favour linking up with Reds head coach Steve Cooper again. The pair know each other from their time at Liverpool’s academy.
Filling the void left by Djed Spence at right wing-back is a priority for Cooper ahead of the Premier League season. Forest are short of options in that position, following the end of the in-demand Middlesbrough loanee’s spell on the banks of the Trent.
Williams made 15 appearances and scored two goals as he helped Fulham secure the Championship title last term. He made his senior debut for Liverpool in 2019 and has featured 33 times for his parent club.
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