Southampton are reportedly preparing to blow Nottingham Forest out of the water with their own bid for Liverpool right-back Neco Williams.
The Welsh full-back is in demand this summer after a successful loan spell at Fulham last season. Additionally, he was the focus of his country’s trip to the World Cup in Qatar later that year.
Liverpool, who signed Calvin Ramsay as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new understudy this summer, will therefore not stand in Williams’ way.
A number of Premier League teams have come forward to snap up Williams. Brentford and Crystal Palace were among the early frontrunners.
Recent reports suggest that Nottingham Forest feel ‘confident’ to meet Liverpool’s £15m price tag.
According to an update from football insiderit is now Southampton who believe they are in pole position to sign Williams.
The South Coast Club are preparing a bid worth a total of £20million. The report claims this is Liverpool’s true prize with add-ons.
In any case, it’s more than what Forest allegedly suggested paying.
Steve Cooper’s side have agreed personal terms with Williams – something Southampton have yet to do. However, the Saints can get ahead of Forest in Liverpool’s eyes by sealing the terms of the transfer themselves.
Forest deterred from Reds scoring
As a matter of fact, football insider claims that Forest has concerns about Williams’ price tag. Liverpool turned down their initial offer, valued at around £12million.
Liverpool have reportedly increased their rating of Williams after seeing how many Premier League clubs were interested in him. Forest could then look elsewhere.
Forest have already signed a new right-back in Giulian Biancone this summer. But such was the influence of Middlesbrough loanee Djed Spence – who is close to making a permanent move to Tottenham – last season, Cooper wants to ensure he is adequately covered in that area.
Southampton may have a transfer advantage from Neco Williams
However, given recent transfer relations, Southampton could have the edge in the race for Williams.
Liverpool have signed Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk and Adam Lallana from the Saints in recent years.
In the meantime, southampton snapped up Danny Ings from the Reds on loan in 2018.
The two clubs have thus recently had ties in the transfer market which may be the subject of negotiations Williams smoother. Liverpool could well be more receptive to the Saints’ interest.
Liverpool and Forest used to be major English rivals but have lost touch until recently.
The two clubs played an FA Cup quarter-final game last season but are preparing for their first Premier League game since 1999.