Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams as Michael Carrick looks at possible defensive additions this summer.
BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel reports that United are keeping tabs on Williams, although Forest remain confident he will sign a new contract at the City Ground. The issue for Forest is that United’s interest could still affect negotiations.
Williams, 25, is under contract until 2029, which leaves Forest in a strong position. Even so, the Wales international’s versatility makes him an obvious player for clubs to watch.
He can play at right-back, wing-back or left-back, giving Carrick the kind of flexible defensive profile United have lacked at times.
ReadManUtd covered Noussair Mazraoui’s return after Morocco’s World Cup exit earlier today, but United’s interest in Williams suggests Carrick is still assessing the full-back market as pre-season develops.
Williams Interest Could Complicate Forest Talks
Forest’s confidence over a new deal is important. This does not yet look like a transfer close to happening.
Williams has become a key player at Forest and his current contract gives the club no reason to rush. United would likely need a serious offer to change the picture.
The interest still carries weight. Once a club of United’s size enters the background of contract talks, the numbers can shift quickly.
Carrick’s squad also has different needs after a busy week. United are expected to confirm Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow, while the Ederson medical decision remains part of the wider rebuild.
Williams would not be the headline move of United’s window. He would be a practical one: Premier League-proven, tactically adaptable and still young enough to develop.
For now, Forest hold the stronger hand. United’s monitoring could still make the next stage of Williams’ contract talks more complicated.
