Leeds United have been linked with signing a number of new right-backs before the end of the window.
The Whites unexpectedly lost both Djed Spence and Luke Ayling earlier this month and a replacement is needed so they do not leave themselves short for the remainder of the season.
Leeds are predominantly targeting the Premier League loan market in their quest to strengthen and Connor Roberts, Neco Williams, Ben Johnson and Calvin Ramsay are reported targets.
All those players are – at best – second choice at their current clubs and so Leeds are exploring the possibility of bringing them to Elland Road on a temporary basis.
However, speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast, Phil Hay says there is one from that list they really want to sign, though a deal is very unlikely. Neco Williams is that man.
Williams the right-back Leeds really want
He said: “The right-back they would really like is Neco Williams, but I think we can assume that is not going to happen.”
Leeds are going to find it difficult to prise Williams away from the City Ground this month, with new manager Nuno Espirito Santo viewing him as part of his plans.
Williams has featured in all five of Forest’s matches under Nuno so far, with fellow right-back Serge Aurier the player they would preferably like to offload in the next couple of weeks.
Had Steve Cooper been in charge it could’ve been a different story for Leeds. As recently as November, Forest had been willing to loan him out, having found himself down the pecking order.
Leeds are not afraid to be patient in order to land their top targets but Williams, at this stage, feels like they are fighting a losing battle.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
