Newcastle United have joined Manchester United and Tottenham in the race for Neco Williams, as Nottingham Forest look to tie the 25‑year‑old to a new deal.
Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Neco Williams has come about because of interest in Djed Spence from several sides across Europe.
The Spurs full-back certainly boosted his stock at the World Cup after several impressive displays for the Three Lions.
Inter Milan and Liverpool have both been credited with interest in Spence, who is not against a move away from north London.
Newcastle join Tottenham in race for Neco Williams
Williams is a full-back just as talented as Spence and even outperformed him last season based on their underlying numbers. He was even named Nottingham Forest’s Player of the Season.
Tottenham, however, are not alone in their pursuit of the full-back. According to Football Insider, there is a new competitor in the race for Williams.
It is explained that Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are also keen on landing Williams this summer and, despite a difficult transfer window so far, the Magpies are confident they can beat Tottenham as well as Manchester United to his signature.
Nottingham Forest, though, do not want to lose their versatile full-back this summer and are in talks over a new contract for Williams.
Speaking to Football Insider, Pete O’Rourke said: “Neco Williams on the radar of a number clubs, such a versatile player as well, he can play right back and left back.
“He’s a player that I’m sure Man United scouts are well aware of and keeping tabs on, and also, there’s been talk of interest from Newcastle United in Neco Williams.
“Newcastle want to strengthen their squad in a number of positions and have identified him as somebody who would be an improvement on their current options.
“Forest, I’m sure, will be aware of that growing interest in Neco Williams. They’re still hopeful that they can keep the player at the City Ground.
“As I said, he’s such a versatile player, he would be a dream for any manager because of his versatility that he can play right back or left back as well.”
Spurs may need a Spence replacement
Should Tottenham lose Spence this summer, there will be a need for a new full-back signing, especially one capable of providing cover on the right.
At the moment, Pedro Porro, fresh from a World Cup triumph, stands as the club’s main right-back, with Spence capable of offering competition.
That is limited depth compared to the left, where Souza, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies and Andy Robertson can all do a job.
Archie Gray can, of course, fill in on the right as well, but over the course of a long season it will be necessary for an actual full-back to be signed to provide cover on that side.
Of course, if Spence stays, Tottenham could afford not to sign another full-back.