Newcastle United are amongst the clubs who are “interested” in Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams, according to Sami Mokbel at BBC Sport.
The left-back is in talks with Forest over a new contract, but Newcastle are one of those prepared to swoop if those discussions stall.
Manchester United are also rumoured to be interested in Williams.
Newcastle “Register Interest” in Williams
Mokbel says that Newcastle have “registered” interest in 25-year-old Williams, as they wait to see the outcome of his talks with Forest.
The Wales international made 37 Premier League appearances for the Tricky Trees last season, scoring two goals, and making three assists.
He also helped the team to keep nine clean sheets as they avoided relegation.
He is versatile, able to play on both sides of defence, but likes to get up the pitch and help out in attack.
Newcastle are on the hunt for defenders, particularly full-backs, as they are light in that department.
Lewis Hall and Alex Murphy are Newcastle’s only recognised left-backs, although Dan Burn can play there if necessary.
As for right-backs, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth have left, and Harrison Ashby has gone on loan to Luton Town, leaving the injured Tino Livramento as the club’s only senior right-back.
Signing Williams won’t be easy, however. Forest are confident that they can persuade him to sign a new contract, and the presence of Man United, who can offer him Champions League football, stacks the odds against them a little bit more.
Williams is valued at £24m on Transfermarkt, but Forest will no doubt want more than that for one of their most consistent players.
If Newcastle don’t make any firm progress, they will move on quickly.
Who Are Newcastle’s Other Options?
Newcastle have been prioritising right-backs, and their targets are in keeping with their transfer policy this summer: young, with good potential.
Strasbourg’s Guela Doue is rumoured to be one of those. The 23-year-old Côte d’Ivoire defender had an impressive season in Ligue Un, which put him on Newcastle’s radar. He made 26 appearances, with two goals and six assists, and could be available at a relatively reasonable price as Strasbourg are facing financial difficulties.
Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong is another, but those links seem more tenuous. The Blues, who rate the 20-year-old highly, may be reluctant to sell.
Newcastle also reportedly scouted Monaco’s Vanderson, but the French club have insisted that the 24-year-old Brazilian international is not for sale.
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Caroline Dowse
Caroline is the Newcastle United writer for Vital Football. She has a BA in English with Creative Writing from University Centre Peterborough, and a year's sports writing experience. Her favourite current Newcastle player is Bruno Guimaraes, favourite of all time is Alan Shearer. Her best Toon moment was the Carabao…