Neco Williams talks opened as Everton eye Nottingham Forest defender
Neco Williams has emerged as a transfer target for Everton.
The Blues are in desperate need of a new right-back, a position that they have neglected in the transfer market for years.
A report from BBC journalist Sami Mokbel on 14 May claims that the Toffees are among four Premier League clubs that have enquired about the defender’s availability.
It states that Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester United are updated on the 25-year-old’s situation, just like the Blues.
Everton needs a new starter in the position, but they may have to look elsewhere for their man.
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Why Everton may struggle to sign Williams
Jake O’Brien has been filling in at right-back for Everton this season, but he lacks the natural attacking traits of the modern full-back.
Williams would bring that in abundance, but the report states that Forest have opened talks with the former Liverpool man over a new contract, despite him having three years left on his current one.
It claims that the Tricky Trees hope that an improved new deal will persuade the player that his future remains at the City Ground, and not with one of their league rivals.
Why do Everton need a new right-back?
O’Brien has played 35 times in the top-flight in the current campaign, with 33 starts, with the majority of them coming as a right-back.
Defensively, he has been solid, making 1.6 tackles per game, 3.1 ball recoveries per game and four clearances per game, per Sofascore.
In terms of duels, he has won 55 per cent on the ground and 67 per cent of the aerial battles that he has contested.
| O’Brien’s stats this season | Premier League |
| Tackles per game | 1.6 |
| Ball recoveries per game | 3.1 |
| Clearances per game | 4 |
| Ground duels won | 55% |
| Aerial duels won | 67% |
| Cross accuracy | 28% |
| Assists | 1 |
However, in attacking areas, he completes just 28 per cent of his crosses, averages 0.5 key passes and has notched just one assist, so far this season.
The fact that the Blues asked to be updated on Williams’ future with Vitor Pereira’s side is encouraging, regardless, as it suggests that they want to sign a new right-back and address the issue.
It would be a huge relief to the fanbase if Moyes and Co could find someone and convert O’Brien back into his typical centre-back position, and finally get rid of Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman.
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