Southampton reportedly frontrunners for Liverpool player Peter Crouch deemed 'terrific' in 2020

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Southampton transfer speculation is increasing in wake of a tricky Premier League campaign.

One recent report claims the Saints are eyeing Liverpool ace Neco Williams.

However, other Premier League clubs besides Southampton are apparently eyeing the Reds gem.

According to Goal.com, Southampton are in the race for Williams alongside Wolves and Leeds.

Burnley, Aston Villa and Norwich are also admirers, claimed the outlet.

That said, Southampton are apparently leading the race for the Liverpool ace’s signature.

Goal.com claims the Saints tried to sign Williams – initially on loan – in January, and have a long-standing interest.

Southampton are reportedly in the market for a right-back to compete with Kyle Walker-Peters.

The fact Williams can also play at left-back, as he did for Wales against Italy at Euro 2020 on Sunday, could appeal to Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Southampton transfer talk leads to “terrific” talent?

According to BBC Sport, Liverpool would “reluctantly” let Williams leave Anfield, with £10m as a starting price.

Likewise, the 20-year-old is apparently reluctant to move, but he has struggled for first-team football under Jurgen Klopp.

Williams has made 25 appearances for Liverpool since making his debut in October 2019.

However, Trent Alexander-Arnold remains firmly ahead of him in the pecking order.

Given Alexander-Arnold is one of the best right-backs in world football, it’s not a surprise that he remains first-choice.

However, it does mean that Williams may not have an easy route to first-team football at Liverpool.

“His delivery, his energy”

Former Southampton, Liverpool and England striker Peter Crouch has spoken highly of Williams in the past.

Williams delivered a great display in just his second senior start for Liverpool, against Everton in the 2019-20 FA Cup third round.

“I thought for me his delivery, his energy, it might take him some time to get in the first-team,” Crouch joked on BBC Sport (05/01/20, 3:30pm start).

“First couple of minutes, the pressing at Everton. The recovery and then what about this for a cross [to Origi]. He put two or three in like that.”

And in February, when Williams featured in the FA Cup victory over Shrewsbury, Crouch was once again pleased.

“Williams was terrific once again and could end up being Trent Alexander-Arnold’s understudy,” he wrote in the Daily Mail.