(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Fri 15 May 2026 8:00, UK

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Aston Villa are among a group of clubs who have made enquiries over the future of Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams ahead of the summer.

The Villans are joined by the likes of Everton and Newcastle in their early attempts to prise the Welshman away from the City Ground, but Forest are not willing to let him go without a serious fight.

The Reds are understood to have opened fresh talks over a new contract for the 25-year-old, according to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, despite the fact that his current deal still has three years left to run.

Williams is a right-back by trade, but he has impressed on the left of a back four for Vitor Pereira’s side this season, and has been one of few bright sparks in an otherwise troubled campaign for his team.

Aston Villa already have one eye on their summer business, as they look set to require reinforcements for another Champions League campaign.

Neco Williams to value Champions League opportunity at Aston Villa

A new contract for Williams would be a statement of intent for Forest if they are able to get a deal over the line, but the Reds cannot offer what Villa can at the moment.

Unai Emery’s men are on the verge of securing a return to the league phase of the Champions League, having ended Forest’s hopes in their recent Europa League semi-final.

Williams’ current side are expected to strengthen and progress again in the coming months, but they do not have European football for next season, and it will be a tall order for them to flip their fortunes on their head and secure a spot for 2027-28 as well.

With that in mind, Villa are surely well-placed to be an attractive proposition for Williams this summer, especially since he would likely become an immediate starter for them.

At 25, the defender still has plenty of time left in his career, but he will surely have a desire to test himself at the highest level as soon as possible.

He got a brief taste of the Champions League during his days at Liverpool, but Villa could likely guarantee him regular minutes on the continent, and that can only be an appealing option for him.

Nottingham Forest to face summer offers for Williams

Interest in Williams is nothing new after his impressive campaign, as Fabrizio Romano reported at the start of April that several Premier League clubs were keen to make a move for him.

The Italian journalist suggested that Forest were set to see their resolve tested regarding the defender’s future, which clearly suggests that offers could be on their way in the coming months.

News of enquiries from across the top flight is another indication towards that scenario potentially playing out, but Forest can navigate beyond all of that speculation by getting a new contract secured.

However, that will surely hinge on the player’s own desires and whether he is determined to play in Europe at this stage of his career.