Nottingham Forest are showing an interest in two full-backs as alternatives to Djed Spence this summer.
Spence excelled on loan at the City Ground last season, his performances catching the eye as he helped the Reds secure promotion back to the Premier League through the play-offs. Forest are keen to make the move permanent this summer, but face significant competition for the wing-back.
Reports over the weekend claimed that Tottenham were closing in on a £20m move for the Middlesbrough man, however, it is understood advanced talks are yet to take place with any team. Should Spence complete a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it means that Forest will move onto other potential targets.
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NottinghamshireLive understands that attack minded Liverpool right-back Neco Williams is of interest to Steve Cooper and the recruitment team. The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with Championship winners Fulham, where he played 14 times as the Cottagers joined Forest in winning promotion.
Williams has also lined up alongside Forest forward Brennan Johnson for Wales, with Brennan's father, former Reds striker David Johnson, tweeting that Forest should '1,000 percent' sign Williams, who can also play on the left - another area where Forest could strengthen with Max Lowe currently back at Sheffield United.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Williams is valued at £15m with Fulham also said to be keen on bringing him back to Craven Cottage. It is reported Liverpool are not desperate to sell, but they are close to a £4m deal for Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay.
As previously reported, Forest also have an interest in Manchester City full-back Issa Kabore. Like Williams, the defender spent last season away from his parent club where he caught the eye with his performances.
Kabore spent the season on loan with French side Troyes, where he played a total of 31 times. He helped the club to a 15th place finish at the end of the 2021/22 season, as well as being voted the best young player at the most recent African Cup of Nations.
Forest are only allowed to have two loan players in their squad at any one time, increasing the chances that the Reds would try to buy Kabore.
Forest could act on their interest in the players should they be unable to complete a move for Spence this summer. More developments over his future are expected in the next 48 hours following the player’s international duty with England U21s.
The Young Lions play their final match of the international break tonight (Monday) as they take on Slovenia at Huddersfield Town’s John Smith’s Stadium. Spence played the full 90 minutes of last week’s 3-0 win over Albania, but was left out of the squad for the weekend’s victory vs Kosovo as Lee Carsley’s side booked their place in the 2023 U21 Euros.
