Man United backed to accelerate Neco Williams deal - 'He's somebody they really admire'

Manchester United have been backed to step up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Neco Williams despite his contract talks.

Michael Carrick is believed to be a big admirer of the 25-year-old and views him as one of his leading targets, with both full-backs positions in need of strengthening this summer.

Scouts are believed to have been keeping a close eye on the Wales international, and ahead of their return to Champions League football, Man United are readying a move.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Carrick's side could step up their pursuit of Williams with a formal offer in due course.

Despite Forest's ambitious plans for the future and talks over a contract extension, there is a feeling the defender could hold off signing until later in the window.

That would allow Man United, or one of his other suitors, to swoop as Williams now ranks highly among their targets for the summer transfer window.

Could Man United make a move for Neco Williams?

Football Insider revealed on 17 July that Man United are plotting a move to sign Williams after their scouts were impressed with his performances at the City Ground.

The full-back could now be lured away from the City Ground, with the offer of Champions League football expected to prove tempting despite his club's stance.

Nottingham Forest are understandbly reluctant to lose another key player, and will make a deal difficult to do, but Man United may now be ready to test their resolve.

"Neco Williams is somebody who Man United have been looking at," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's somebody they really admire, Michael Carrick is a big fan, and I must admit I agree because I've been very impressed by what I've seen from him at Nottingham Forest.

"He's got plenty of experience in the Premier League now, he's performed very well at the top level and in Europe too, and he can play on both sides of the defence.

"Those are a few boxes ticked as far as Man United are concerned, so it wouldn't surprise me if they made a move to sign him sooner rather than later.

"From the player's perspective, he could be offered the chance to step up into the Champions League with Man United, and that can be hard to turn down.

"Nottingham Forest don't want to lose him, and we know they can be tough negotiators, but Man United could look to test that resolve and see what it might take.

"I hear he has been in talks over a new contract, but I think if he does sign a new deal, it will be towards the end of the window after he assesses his options. He won't rule anything out this early."

Which other full-backs are on Man United's radar?

Amid concerns that Nottingham Forest may block their move for Williams, as they remain in contract talks, Man United have been eyeing a number of potenital alternatives.

The Red Devils' attempts to land a new full-back have seen them linked with moves for Premier League stars including the likes of Lewis Hall and Antonee Robinson.

Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 21 July that Tottenham star Djed Spence has emerged as "the outstanding candidate" for United to bolster their squad.

The 25-year-old has been watched closely by the recruitment team at Old Trafford after impressing in his performances both for Tottenham and for England at the World Cup.

Spurs, meanwhile, are expected to listen to offers for the England international in a bid to raise funds as they continue to spend big in the market.