Leeds United reportedly interested in player who Jurgen Klopp thinks is a really ‘exciting talent’

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United have a number of right-backs on their radar this month as they look to bolster a position they are now light in.

Daniel Farke’s squad had looked really well stocked in that position at the start of the window but after losing both Djed Spence and Luke Ayling, he has acknowledged the importance of bringing someone in.

Burnley’s Connor Roberts is among the players who have been linked, while West Ham United’s Ben Johnson has also emerged as a target in the last 24 hours.

But perhaps the biggest coup from the names mentioned so far would be Neco Williams, with Phil Hay reporting he is a player Leeds really like. However it will be a tough deal to do with the Welshman part of the plans under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Williams moved to Forest from Liverpool in the summer of 2022 and had been given some first team chances at Anfield.

Manager Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of the 23-year-old, telling liverpoolfc.com upon his departure just how much of an ‘exciting’ young talent he is.

Klopp a big fan of Leeds target Williams

He said: “He’s a bright, exciting talent and he’s going to a club that is upwardly mobile in this moment. I am a big fan of their manager and he knows Neco from when he coached at our Academy. I think they’ll be ideal for each other.

“He’s achieved so much already but there is even more to come. Premier League and Champions League experience for us; a promotion last season with Fulham, who looked after him superbly, I must say; a contributor to our trophy wins for sure; one of Wales’ most important players and going to a World Cup.”

It is hard to argue against the fact that Williams would be the best signing of the lot, from the names that have been linked at right-back.

Leeds were keen on signing Williams in the summer before eventually agreeing a deal for Spence, which shows the club are clearly long-term admirers of his.

Had Steve Cooper not come in, Leeds would’ve perhaps had a better chance of signing Williams this month. Forest were prepared to send him on loan, but the appointment of Nuno seems to have changed that.