
Nottingham Forest
Premier League • England
Liverpool set out their stall as Nottingham Forest come knocking for Neco Williams in contingency plan

Nottingham Forests’s contingency plan has led them to Liverpool’s Neco Williams, and the Reds are clear that they will only accept a permanent transfer.
Forest will play top-flight football for the first time since the 2003/04 season in the next campaign. The Reds defeated Huddersfield to go up through the Championship playoffs.
Naturally, Forest will want to give Premier League survival their best shot. Recruiting top-flight quality will help their bid to remain in the league beyond their first season.
Steve Cooper’s side have had their sights set on Djed Spence. The right-back was instrumental in helping the side up to the Premier League.
He played in every single game he was eligible for, and contributed to seven goals over the course of the season. While Forest are keen on the defender, so are big hitters Tottenham.
Indeed, Spurs would likely be able to muscle the newly-promoted side out of the running for Spence. As such, they have a contingency plan in place. The City Ground outfit are reportedly keen on Liverpool right-back Williams.
The 21-year-old – who has made 32 appearances for Liverpool’s senior side – spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham.
The Cottagers won the Championship, and Williams played a sizeable role. He made 12 appearances, and scored two goals and made a further two assists.
Liverpool have made their stance clear on Williams. The Telegraph reports that the Reds will only accept a permanent transfer, rather than a loan.
Given they have recently acquired Calvin Ramsay, they have no need for Williams. As such, it makes sense as to why they want to guarantee a fee for him, which should be a decent one after his good season.
Neco Williams battle could ensue
A battle could ensue for the services of Williams. Forest are joined by Fulham – where the right-back played last season – in the pursuit.
A fee in the region of £20million has been reported in order to prise him away from Anfield. Both outfits should be able to afford that, following promotion from the Championship.
As such, both sides could become locked into a battle with one another. Fulham may be ahead, as Williams has had a taste of playing for them already, but that remains to be seen.
Whichever club he lands at will be getting a very good player. While he has not stamped his authority on Liverpool’s side, he has become a key member of the Wales team.
The right-back has scored two goals and provided two assists in 21 appearances.
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