Nottingham Forest advance in Neco Williams talks as Man United plan revealed
Nottingham Forest are advancing in contract talks with Neco Williams amid interest from Manchester United, sources have told Football Insider.
The 25-year-old has established himself as a crucial part of the starting XI at the City Ground in recent years, and his consistently impressive displays have made him a fans' favourite.
Following the arrival of Oliver Glasner, who is determined to keep his best players at Nottingham Forest this summer, they have no plans to let the full-back move on.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Nottingham Forest are in active contract talks with Williams and hope to push towards an agreement.
This comes amid growing interest from Man United, who are eyeing the Wales international as an option to bolster their squad as they step up their transfer plans.
Michael Carrick wants to add a new left-back to his side, while William's versatility and ability to play on either side of the defence is seen as a major asset.
Could Man United make a move to sign Neco Williams?
Football Insider revealed on 17 July that Man United are plotting a move to sign Williams after scouts have been impressed by his performances for Nottingham Forest.
The Wales international has long been admired at Old Trafford despite his connection to rivals Liverpool, and they could now make a move to lure him away from Forest.
However, Glasner's side are determined to keep hold of their best players this summer, while Evangelos Marinakis has previously proven to be a stubborn negotiator.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Neco Williams is on the radar of a number of clubs in this summer transfer window.
"Forest, I'm sure, will be aware of that growing interest in Neco Williams, but they're still hopeful that they can keep the player at the City Ground.
"Talks have been ongoing over a potential new contract as well, and they will hope to push forward in those talks to ward off any potential suitors who might be making a move.
"I'm sure Man United are keeping tabs on those contract talks with Forest, and if nothing can be developed there, maybe then they could firm up their interest in Neco Williams.
"But he's an important player for Nottingham Forest, and I'm sure they want him to remain an important player in the coming season under Oliver Glasner as well."
How does Williams feel about staying at Nottingham Forest?
Despite growing interest from Man United, much of the speculation about Williams' future will come down to whether or not he sees his future at Nottingham Forest.
The full-back has three years remainning on his current contract, having penned a new deal last summer, placing the club in a strong position to dictate his future.
However, former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Williams could have his head turned by high-profile interest, not just from Man United, but also from Spurs.
Tottenham have enjoyed a strong start to the summer transfer window and have shown they are not afraid to spend big, with Williams firmly on their list of targets.
Despite Nottingham Forest pushing forward in transfer talks, there is a feeling he could delay signing a new deal and entertain offers from the two interested clubs.