Report - Liverpool reject £15m bid from Premier League side for 21-year-old defender

Liverpool have reportedly rejected a bid from Premier League side Nottingham Forest for right-back Neco Williams.

Originally reported by Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, he claimed that the Reds turned down Nottingham Forest's opening offer for Williams.

Jones also stated that Forest are eager to capitalise on Williams' situation (lack of game time) at Liverpool after identifying him as a potential replacement for Djed Spence. The Englishman has returned to Middlesbrough after a loan spell with Nottingham Forest.

Later in the day, Daniel Taylor of The Athletic confirmed that the Reds had indeed rejected Forest's opening bid of £15 million (£11 million upfront with £4 million in potential add-ons).

Taylor then goes on to say that Steve Cooper's side will make a second move for Williams and that they are the only 'serious bidder' so far.

Southampton have been linked with a move for the Wales international, as well as his former loan club, Fulham.

Sky Sports News, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, reported earlier this month that the Reds are looking for a package deal of £20 million for Williams this summer.

Anfield Watch Verdict

It seems like newly promoted Nottingham Forest are going to win the race for Williams, but I'd personally like to see him at Craven Cottage again next season.

Even though Cooper's side have recruited well this summer with former Liverpool player Taiwo Awoniyi joining them and Manchester United's Dean Henderson also on the verge of being announced, I still think they're favourites to go down.

If he was to join Southampton he'd probably be Tino Livramento's back-up when he returns back from his injury, putting him in the same situation he's currently in at Liverpool.

At Fulham, he goes straight in their team and he's also less likely to be relegated back to the Championship.

Whatever happens, it looks like Williams will be in the Premier League next season, so it'll be interesting to see if he can step up to the challenge.