Manchester United target Neco Williams, who chose Liverpool over them as a boy

Manchester United are among the clubs monitoring Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams, according to a BBC Sport report, with Newcastle United also said to have expressed an interest in the Wales international.

Williams, 25, signed a long-term contract with Forest in July 2024 that runs until the summer of 2029, but rumours of a further extension have done little to dampen speculation over a potential summer departure. It remains unclear whether United’s interest will translate into a formal approach.

The move would carry a certain symmetry. Williams was a youth player at Old Trafford before leaving for Liverpool at the age of nine — a decision he reflected on last year. “All my family are United supporters, so everyone thought I would choose them, but I chose Liverpool,” he told Forest’s club website in April 2024. “It’s hard to remember exactly why, but I think it came down to where I felt most comfortable and at that time it was Liverpool.”

He left Anfield for the City Ground in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth around £17 million and has been a consistent presence in Forest’s defence since.

Williams would not be United’s only defensive addition if a deal were struck. The club’s primary focus this summer has been midfield reinforcement, with United having already reached agreements to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Ederson from Atalanta. The potential pursuit of Williams suggests Ruben Amorim’s recruitment team is also assessing options at full-back.

Whether United’s reported interest is serious enough to prompt a bid — and whether Forest would entertain selling a player still under contract for four more years — are questions that remain unanswered as the summer window continues.