Tottenham have been interested in signing highly-rated Nottingham Forest defender this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur went nearly a month and a half without signing any player after getting six through the door before the start of pre-season. Since the start of this week, the club has confirmed the signings of Savio and Omar Marmoush.
The 3-0 defeat to Brentford in their season opener exposed several frailties in Roberto De Zerbi’s expensively assembled squad. Despite the additions of Premier League-proven defenders such as Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, who all started last weekend, Spurs were torn apart to shreds by Brentford.
No wonder the N17 chiefs are still scouring the market for defensive reinforcements. The exit of Djed Spence has left the full-back position light, and Spurs have identified a player to replace him in the squad.
Nottingham Forest make decision on full-back amid Tottenham interest
Nottingham Forest full-back/wing-back Neco Williams has been on the North London club’s radar this summer. In fact, last month’s report suggested that Tottenham enquired about the Wales international’s potential availability.
Neco Williams was Nottingham Forest’s standout performer last season, starting 36 of 37 Premier League games and making five goal contributions. The 25-year-old was also named Forest’s Player of the Season by supporters. Unsurprisingly, the full-back’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with Tottenham keeping tabs on him.
However, according to former scout Mick Brown, Forest are standing firm on their decision to not sell Williams this summer. The Midlands outfit are prepared to do everything in their power to keep hold of the talented Welshman, and are confident that he will remain at the club beyond the 1 September deadline.
“Neco Williams is a player who is very highly thought of at Tottenham,” Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider.
“Whether or not Nottingham Forest would be willing to sell is a different question, but Tottenham have spent a lot of money this summer, and they could look to tempt Forest.
“The problem is, I don’t expect Forest will be willing to sell, so it might be very difficult for Tottenham or any other club to do a deal.
“Williams has been an important part of everything they’ve done over the last couple of seasons, and it looks like he’s going to play a big role for them again under the new manager.
“We know how the owner there can be as well, if he doesn’t want to sell, then there’s almost no way of doing a deal.
“So, Forest will be doing everything they can to keep their best players at the club, especially this late in the transfer window, and Williams is certainly one of those.”
Forest block approach for Williams
Williams has established himself as a versatile, hardworking, energetic and technically strong full-back capable of operating on either flank with creativity in the final third and strong crossing ability. Spurs want a Premier League-proven commodity as Spence’s replacement, and De Zerbi has identified Williams as the ideal option. However, the Tricky Trees are blocking any approach for their star defender.
With Forest standing firm on their decision not to sell Williams, the Hotspur Way chiefs must now turn their attention to alternative targets who fulfil De Zerbi’s criteria before the transfer window slams shut.
