Newcastle eye Neco Williams as Nottingham Forest open contract talks - BBC Sport

Newcastle United look poised to pounce for Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams.

The Magpies are looking to lower the average age of their backline this summer, and Nottingham Forest star Neco Williams has emerged as a name in the frame for Eddie Howe.

Newcastle desperately need backup for Lewis Hall at left back, with Dan Burn the only real option, or playing Tino Livramento out of position, should he remain at the club next season.

Wales international Neco Williams has managed to impress at Nottingham Forest despite the side's struggles in the Premier League this season.

Neco Williams is wanted by several Premier League clubs

The BBC believes Forest are aware of growing interest in the 25-year-old and, despite Williams having three years remaining on his current deal, are keen to open talks over improved terms.

BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel claims that Newcastle, Manchester United, Everton and Aston Villa are all keen on Williams and could make a move in the summer window.

Forest paid Liverpool £12 million for Williams in 2022 and has made over 150 appearances for the Tricky Trees. He's clearly an important player for the East Midlands side, which suggests it will take a pretty penny to lure him away.

We'd back a move for Neco Williams

There's no indication at this stage what it would cost to sign Williams, but given his Premier League experience, relatively young age and his current contract situation, it's not going to be a bargain. Especially not with several clubs interested too.

Whether Williams would be interested in moving to Newcastle, where he's likely to be second fiddle to Lewis Hall, is another big question. We'd imagine that he's going to want first-team assurances wherever he goes next, otherwise there's no real point in him moving.

That being said, we think he'd be an excellent signing for Newcastle if they could pull it off.

Rumour Rating: 8/10 - Coming from a reliable source, it's one that makes a lot of sense on paper. As we say, the real issue is convincing him to move to Tyneside rather than other options that could see him get more game time.