'Hang on' - Neco Williams has head turned by Tottenham and could push for move

Nottingham Forest face a battle to keep hold of full-back Neco Williams amid interest from Tottenham.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes the Wales international may try to force through a move to North London.

The Lilywhites have already enjoyed a hugely busy summer in the transfer market, and now have Williams in their sights to add quality to their defence.

Wyness expects Forest to dig their heels in and try to resist the interest if Spurs make their move, but also added that the player may try to force the deal through.

Williams signed a new deal at the City Ground last summer, which is due to keep him with the East Midlands outfit until at least the summer of 2029.

The 25-year-old started 36 games in the Premier League last term, notching two goals and three assists to aid Forest's survival bid.

Neco Williams chase closely linked to Djed Spence

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Tottenham's pursuit of Williams will be closely linked to Everton's interest in Djed Spence.

The Scottish businessman made it clear that a "chain" of transfers may develop in the coming weeks, that would see Williams move to the capital, and Spence head up to Merseyside.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness emphasised that Williams will be keen to move to Spurs.

"Well, I expect this one to be a tussle once again between player and club. I think the club are going to say, 'No way is he going. He's staying. We're going to renegotiate," he said.

"I think the player may have wandering eyes right now. He's thinking, hang on. I think I could do better than Forest. And I think it's going to be a case here where if the right offer comes in for the player, he may move. 

"If it's Spurs, and we discussed this earlier about the Djed Spence situation, there could be a bit of a chain here in terms of events that could carry on. I think Forest would like to keep him, but I do think if he gets the right offer he will go.

"It's one of those that's in the balance right now, but I expect the player to have the upper hand in this negotiation. And Forest will be aware that they're not going to let him go cheaply, they're going to fight.

"I expect this one to drag on over the next few weeks."

Nottingham Forest make progress on two defenders

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Forest are lining up a move for Fiorentina right-back Dodo, as a back-up option for main target Givairo Read.

The Reds have already seen a bid rejected for the Feyenoord man, but are now facing competition for a deal from Manchester City.

Forest will only sign one of Dodo or Read, with the former seen as a more "straightforward" deal to strike at the moment.

The Brazilian is out of contract at Fiorentina in June 2027, but is also subject to interest from the likes of Napoli and Roma.