Leeds United are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements before the end of the window.
Daniel Farke’s squad finds itself in a weaker position than what they started the month following the abrupt early ending to Djed Spence’s loan spell, and Luke Ayling’s move to Middlesbrough.
Farke has recognised the need to bring in at least one replacement in the full-back positions, and it is clear that Leeds are targeting the Premier League loan market again.
Burnley’s Connor Roberts and West Ham United’s Ben Johnson both appear to be concrete targets, while Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams is a player Leeds really like.
However, speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast, Phil Hay says a deal for Williams is looking extremely unlikely, as he figures prominently in new manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans.
Leeds unlikely to sign Forest’s Williams
He said: “My impression was that they would be active on full-backs this month, I mentioned Neco Williams on Monday as someone they really do like, but all the indications from Forest are that Nuno who has just come in for Steve Cooper also really likes him, and is not interested in letting him go.”
The 22-year-old is clearly a player Leeds have long admired as the Whites were also interested in signing him in the summer, before eventually agreeing a deal for Spence.
Had the window been open when Steve Cooper was in charge at Forest, Leeds may have had a real chance of signing Williams. He was willing to let him leave on loan.
However, a managerial change has changed that considerably, as Williams has been involved in all four of Forest’s matches since Nuno was appointed last month.
Leeds are willing to be patient over the next couple of weeks in order to secure their top targets, but at this stage, Williams looks like one which will be difficult to pull off.
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