Newcastle join race to sign Neco Williams after new contract twist
Newcastle United are prepared to join Premier League rivals in the race to sign Neco Williams, sources have told Football Insider.
The Nottingham Forest full-back is being targeted by a number of top clubs this summer, and the Magpies are now planning to beat his other suitors to a deal.
Eddie Howe is determined to strengthen his squad in a number of key positions this summer, and the 25-year-old's ability to play on both sides of the defence has made him a target.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Newcastle are big fans of Williams and are keeping a close eye on his situation at Nottingham Forest.
This comes alongside interest from both Man United and Tottenham, who are also well-placed to make moves for the Wales international before the transfer deadline.
Nottingham Forest, however, are extremely reluctant to lose Williams and are in ongoing talks over a contract extension in a bid to deter the growing interest in him.
Could Newcastle make a move to sign Neco Williams?
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Williams could have his head turned by the high-profile interest in luring him away from Nottingham Forest.
The full-back is currently receiving attention from a number of top clubs, and with Newcastle set to join the race, they will feel they have a chance at luring him in.
Despite what has proved to be a frustrating window for Howe's side so far, they remain ambitious and are optimistic of beating their rivals to sign Williams.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Neco Williams on the radar of her 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."
What is the latest on Williams' new contract talks?
Newcastle's interest in Williams comes at a time when Nottingham Forest are exploring their options to keep him at the club, as they aim to deter his latest suitors.
The Wales international is under contract at the City Ground until 2029, having penned a new deal last summer, but is already in talks to extend his terms again.
Football Insider revealed on 19 July that Nottingham Forest are pushing ahead in talks to renew Williams' contract as they aim to deter interest from multiple interested clubs.
Following Oliver Glasner's arrival as their latest new manager, Forest are making ambitious plans for the future and hope to keep hold of their best players.
With Elliot Anderson having already left the club to join Man City, they are determined not to lose any more key players, and plans are being put in place to stop them leaving.