Liverpool have now agreed a deal worth in the region of £17 million for Neco Williams, with the young right-back set to depart Anfield after 15 years.
Following a half-season loan spell at Fulham last time out, Williams had long been expected to leave Liverpool in the current transfer window.
Fulham held interest in a permanent deal and he was also considered by Southampton, PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal, but it is Nottingham Forest who have won the race for his signature.
The newly promoted Premier League side saw an earlier bid worth around £15 million rejected, with Liverpool not willing to agree a package that would only earn them an initial £11 million.
But the Telegraph‘s John Percy has now reported that a deal has been reached between the two clubs which stands to earn the Reds around £17 million.
Writing on Twitter, Percy described the Williams transfer as being considered a “huge statement” by those within Forest, who are managed by former Liverpool academy coach Steve Cooper.
Liverpool journalist David Lynch has corroborated the news, including the fee quoted.
This Is Anfield understands the 21-year-old is currently on an extended holiday in Spain, having been granted leave from the first week of pre-season at the AXA Training Centre.
He is joined by his family at a resort not far from Forest’s training camp, with it likely he will now travel the short distance to Alicante to undergo a medical and finalise his new contract.
Williams has been with Liverpool since the age of six, and after breaking into the first-team setup in 2019 has gone on to make 33 appearances for the club.
Another 21 caps have been earned with Wales, and his summer move is partially designed to secure a starting spot under Rob Page at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
While Williams is highly regarded by Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff, there was little hope of him unseating Trent Alexander-Arnold as first choice, and a replacement has already been signed in Calvin Ramsay.
