Roberto De Zerbi may not have been entirely truthful to the media over the last few days regarding Tottenham’s plan for a key position.
Spurs are focusing on reinforcing their forward line in the final week of the window, with the expectation at Tottenham that Omar Marmoush will be their eighth signing of the summer, following Savinho.
The Lilywhites are also plotting a late assault to sign Cody Gakpo, whose future at Liverpool remains uncertain heading into the dying stages of the window.
It has now emerged that the North Londoners are also looking to bolster their defence, despite their head coach indicating otherwise.
Tottenham continue to hold late interest in Neco Williams
In his pre-match press conference last week, De Zerbi played down the need for Spurs to sign another right-back to replace Djed Spence following the England international’s move to Inter Milan.
Interestingly, even after Archie Gray struggled in that position against Brentford, the Tottenham boss insisted that the 20-year-old is capable of being Pedro Porro’s main understudy.
However, BBC Sport now report that the Italian may have misled the media, as Tottenham are indeed keen on adding a right-back to their squad.
The outlet claims that De Zerbi prefers to add a right-back with Premier League experience to his squad before the window slams shut.
As a result, Tottenham are continuing to show late interest in Neco Williams, although their move for the Nottingham Forest man remains at an ‘exploratory stage’ for now.
Nottingham Forest have no interest in selling Williams
BBC Sport make it clear that getting Williams out of the City Ground will be far from straightforward as Forest insist they will not consider selling the 25-year-old.
The Wales international has been earmarked for a ‘key role’ by new boss Oliver Glasner, who began his spell at the Midlands with a 1-0 loss away at Leeds on Saturday.
In fact, the update claims that Forest continue to be locked in talks with Williams over an extension to his current contract, which runs out in 2029.