By Wayne Veysey

6th Jul, 2022 | 8:21am

Sources: Southampton ready Neco Williams bid after £20m Liverpool twist

Southampton are preparing a bid for Liverpool star Neco Williams as they look to beat rival Premier League clubs to his signature, Football Insider understands.

The south coast club are lining up a move after Williams’ move to Nottingham Forest stalled following their failure to agree a fee with the Champions League finalists.

A Southampton source has told Football Insider they are keen to win the race for the Wales right-back, 21, and a formal offer is being readied.

Liverpool are believed to be holding out for a total package of £20million including add-ons for Williams.

Forest had agreed personal terms with Williams but Liverpool’s valuation is a major stumbling block to a deal.

The Merseysiders have increased their asking price due to the level of interest in the defender following his impressive loan spell at Fulham last term.

Fulham remain keen on signing Williams permanently but Southampton and Forest are now ahead of them in the race.

Forest have had a bid rejected – believed to be around £12m – and could now move on to other targets despite Williams’ enthusiasm to sign for them.

The right-back has slipped down the pecking order at Liverpool, where Trent Alexander-Arnold is the established right-back and the club have just signed Calvin Ramsay, 18, for an initial £4m.

Williams played a big role for the Londoners during the second half of the season, making 14 appearances as they cantered to promotion.

His contract at Anfield runs until the summer of 2025.

In other news, Finance guru: Liverpool ‘big winners’ as £1.5bn deal agreed.