Tottenham Hotspur are set to reignite their pursuit of Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams in the closing stages of the transfer window.
The 25-year-old Wales international was a target for Spurs earlier this summer, but the club shifted focus toward other areas of their squad at that time.
Attention has now returned to Williams following the departure of Djed Spence, who completed a move to Inter Milan during the current window.
Roberto De Zerbi is keen to address the full-back position and views Williams as an ideal candidate to fill the void left by Spence’s exit.
Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Williams is very highly regarded at Spurs and a deal could be agreed as they accelerate their transfer plans.
Brown further explained the appeal of the Forest defender, saying: “He’s a very good player with a lot of experience in the Premier League, and he has proved during his time at Nottingham Forest that he can play at the highest level.”
Brown added: “Those performances have impressed a number of clubs, so if Spurs are looking to sign a new full-back, he will be high on their list of options.”
Brown continued: “Whether or not Nottingham Forest would be willing to sell is a different question, but Tottenham have spent a lot of money this summer, and they could look to tempt Forest late on.”
Williams’ versatility to operate on both sides of the defence has made him an attractive option, with Spurs scouts said to have been impressed by his recent displays.
BBC journalist Sami Mokbel reports that Tottenham have held exploratory talks with Forest regarding the defender, signalling a concrete level of interest from the north London club.
Forest are aware of the late interest from Spurs but currently have no intention of sanctioning Williams’ departure before the 1 September deadline.
The Midlands club are instead working to secure Williams on an improved contract, having already tied him down to a four-year deal in July 2025.
Nottingham Forest have been reluctant to lose key players this summer, particularly following Elliot Anderson’s move to Manchester City, and remain firm over Williams.
Williams came through Liverpool’s academy before joining Forest in 2022 and has since developed into one of their most dependable defensive options, occasionally wearing the captain’s armband.
Tottenham may ultimately be forced to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements, but are still expected to test Forest’s resolve before the window slams shut.