Leeds wanted £16m Nottingham Forest player last summer, now he could leave in January

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The Telegraph claim Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams was a target for Leeds United in the summer despite being a regular for Steve Cooper’s side during 2022-23 – and he could go on loan.

Williams, 22, joined Forest in the summer of 2022 after a £16m move from Liverpool. He was largely first choice for Steve Cooper in his first season at Forest, playing 36 times. But this term, he has struggled.

The Wales star – a National teammate of Joe Rodon, Dan James and Ethan Ampadu – has managed just one Premier League start this season. Serge Aurier is first choice, even captaining Forest on occasion.

Leeds were after a right-back in the summer, eventually signing Sam Byram on a free and Djed Spence on loan from Tottenham. Spence of course, has managed one sub outing since joining, due to injury.

The Telegraph report on Friday that Williams was a target for Leeds in the summer. His lack of game time now, could see him consider a loan exit in January. It will be interesting if Leeds remain interested.

Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams was a Leeds target

Had Leeds not signed Spence in the summer, Williams would have been brilliant. Able to play on either flank, Williams would have been able to cover some issues we have at full-back – on both sides.

Byram is playing on the left, on his weaker side. Luke Ayling, Jamie Shackleton and Archie Gray have been used on the right flank – but none have put a marker down. Spence is likely to when he is fit.

But had Spence not joined, Williams would have been brilliant – not least because he would have teamed up with three of his Wales teammates. It is unlikely Leeds revisit a move given, our options at full-back.