Manchester United are among a host of Premier League clubs to have made ‘discreet enquiries’ over Neco Williams’ situation, according to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel.
Although he is contracted to the City Ground until June 2029, Nottingham Forest have now been prompted to open talks over an improved deal in hopes of fending off outside interest in their key starter, with ‘discussions’ now ‘underway’.
Nottingham Forest open talks with defender Neco Williams over improved contract amid growing interest from Premier League clubs. Newcastle, Man Utd, Aston Villa and Everton among the clubs updated on 25 y/o situation. https://t.co/awlerCzeG5
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel_BBC) May 14, 2026
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United establish surprise interest in Forest’s Neco Williams
The Red Devils have been joined by Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle United in gauging Williams’ availability.
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For United and the Toffees, it would be a particularly shocking move if anything materialised, given the full-back, 25, spent 15 years of his youth and senior career on Liverpool’s books.
He was loaned out to Fulham in 2022, after which he agreed a £12 million switch to Forest, where he has since accumulated 127 Premier League appearances.
"Neco Williams steps up when Forest needed it!"
What a strike this is to bring Nottingham Forest level 💥 pic.twitter.com/W85z8Hx4a0
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
Why are United being linked with Williams and other left-backs?
United chiefs are seemingly in the market for a new left-back in the lead-up to the window opening amid concerns over Luke Shaw’s fitness.
Luke Shaw made more interceptions (3) than any other player on the pitch combined in the first half vs Arsenal. ⛔️ #ARSMUN #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/bxKplZ00u4
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) January 25, 2026
While he has been able to start every league fixture this campaign, the 30-year-old has had to be withdrawn through injury concerns on numerous occasions, and was spotted limping out of the Stadium of Light following last Saturday’s goalless draw to Sunderland.
| Appearances | Injured | Minutes played |
| 323 | 231 | 25,097 |
Shaw’s record in all competitions since signing for United in 2014
What’s more, the addition of Champions League football to the fixture list will come as a major shock to the system of the squad after they have played their fewest number of matches (40) since 1915.
