Neco Williams has refused to be drawn into transfer speculation amid ongoing links with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, insisting he remains fully focused on Nottingham Forest.
The Wales international has been linked with a move away from the City Ground ahead of the September 1 deadline, with United looking for a new left-back. Williams is a right-back by trade but can play on both flanks and is admired by United, according to BBC Sport. Spurs were also looking to make a late move for the 25-year-old defender, though Oliver Glasner's Forest do not want to sell.
Williams addresses speculation
When asked about the transfer speculation, Williams told TNT Sports: "You're trying to stitch me up there? Listen, every day I'm focused on the badge I'm wearing right now.
"Of course, it's nice to see that there's interest and teams showing interest, but I'm a Nottingham Forest player and fully focused on what I'm doing here. Every day is showing full commitment and giving my best to help this team."
Gerrard's praise
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard coached Williams in the early stages of his coaching career and has heaped praise on the full-back, calling him one of the best in the Premier League.
"He deserves to play and I don't want to cut him off, but this a player who trains the way he plays," Gerrard said in an interview on TNT Sports.
"He comes in of a morning, he does everything right. He's very professional, he's a winner. He's very aggressive, he's a competitor. We already know he's got the talent. If you've got everything around you, your talent, you can play at this level and you can stay at this level.
"I still think he hasn't hit his ceiling yet. I still think he's at an age where he can go to the next level, with experience, and time and more games. He's playing out of position. He's doing an incredible job on the left side. Can you imagine what he'd be like if he played on the right side?
"For me, he's a fantastic full-back. And I'm not just saying it, and I apologise to the Forest fans, Liverpool should have kept him."
Forest's transfer plans
Michael Carrick's side, who take on Ipswich Town this weekend, will be hoping they can get a left-back through the door before the summer transfer window deadline passes on September 1.
