Aston Villa are reportedly one of four Premier League clubs to have shown an interest in Liverpool’s Neco Williams over the past year amid talk of an Anfield exit this summer.
The 20-year-old continued to make his breakthrough at senior level last season for the Reds, making 14 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side which in turn helped him secure his place in the Wales squad for Euro 2020 this summer.
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As he looks set for a bright future both for club and country, speculation over his future suggests that a move away from Merseyside could be on the cards this summer, and Villa could be a potential destination.
The Athletic report that Williams could be looking for a move following the conclusion of the European Championship as he wants regular football, and while Liverpool are said to be willing to grant him his wish, they want at least £10m to green light an exit.
It’s added that Villa are among four Premier League clubs who have expressed an interest in Williams in the past, and particularly as Dean Smith is looking for quality depth and competition at right-back this summer, he could be an option for us.
Matty Cash impressed in his first season with us last year and has established himself as the first-choice in that role, but with Ahmed Elmohamady moving on after his contract expired, there is a real lack of options behind him.
In turn, a move for Williams would make sense to address that issue, but ultimately much depends on whether or not he would be willing to compete with Cash for a starting berth at Villa, or if he opts for a different club where he can be more confident of playing regularly.
Time will tell how the situation plays out, but Villa are in the market for full-backs this summer and with Ashley Young perhaps offering a versatile option to fill the gaps, bringing in a talented young player like Williams would be a smart long-term move too.
