Manchester United are reportedly interested in Nottingham Forest left-back Neco Williams, but they aren’t the only club chasing his signature.
Over the past few weeks, the headlines have been dominated by MUFC’s midfield chase, as club directors have been hustling to secure the signing of three new players for this department.
But with Andrey Santos on the verge of completing a £50 million move from Chelsea, and Ederson expected to follow suit should he pass his second medical, the smoke is beginning to clear over the middle of the park, which could allow INEOS to address other departments.
Man Utd & Newcastle keeping tabs on Neco Williams
United are already making moves outside the midfield, securing an agreement with Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who will sign as a free agent to add depth behind Senne Lammens.
The Premier League giants are also expected to bring in a new addition on the left flank. But while they have been mostly linked with wingers, like Crysenscio Summerville and Ismaila Sarr, a new report reveals they could instead pursue a full-back.
According to BBC Senior Football Correspondent Sami Mokbel, Man Utd and Newcastle are both interested in Neco Williams.
The 25-year-old is a Liverpool youth product who was promoted to Jurgen Klopp’s first team in January 2020, just in time to earn himself a Premier League medal at the end of the 2019/20 season.
Williams’ Career Stats Appearances Goals Assists
Liverpool 33 0 6
Fulham 15 2 2
Nottingham Forest 160 4 0
After struggling for playing time behind Andy Robertson, the Welsh international joined Fulham on loan in January 2022, before sealing a permanent transfer to Forest the following summer.
The Wrexham native has gone on to make 160 appearances for his current employers and is now considered a stalwart at the back.
Forest have him under contract until June 2029, and they’re said to be keen to maintain his services, but it remains to be seen if they’ll be able to resist an onslaught from the Red Devils or the Magpies.
Should Man Utd prioritise a left-back over a winger?
In recent weeks, it has been reported that Man Utd will either recruit a new right-footed left-winger or a left-back, with the management prioritising the former position.
Nevertheless, the squad could do with a new player to rotate with Luke Shaw, who cannot replicate his efforts from the previous campaign by starting in all 38 Premier League rounds now that Champions League football is back.
On the other hand, Marcus Rashford’s ‘increasingly likely stay’ could prompt the management to buy a left-back, especially since they have limited options in this role.
Patrick Dorgu remains an option, but he seems more comfortable playing further up the pitch, while the likes of Harry Amass, Diego Leon, and Godwill Kukonki aren’t guaranteed to thrive with the senior squad straight ahead.
But with Man Utd allocating the bulk of their summer transfer kitty on new midfielders, they are unlikely to spend heavily on a new left-back.
As for Williams, Transfermarkt estimates his value at €28 million (roughly £24 million), but knowing Forest, they will certainly request a significantly higher figure, as illustrated by Elliot Anderson’s transfer saga.
Michel is a football journalist based in Beirut who has been passionately following Man United for over 20 years. He is a Law graduate and a member of the Beirut Bar Association. In addition to writing for Utd Report, he is also the Head Writer for The Laziali has been a Featured Writer on other websites including Juve FC, and The Cult of Calcio, and Stretty News.
View all posts