Aston Villa could finally solve left-back nightmare as approach is made for Neco Williams

Aston Villa are in dire need of a new left-back and could finally solve this issue with Neco Williams.

The defender has been one of Nottingham Forest’s best players this season and was key to their progression into the Europa League final.

As a result, the Tricky Trees have opened talks with Williams over a potential contract extension.

However, BBC Sport on 15 May has also confirmed that Villa have made discreet enquiries about Williams ahead of the summer transfer window.

Now, Villa’s left-back nightmare could end if they are able to tempt the defender to Villa Park.

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If Villa were able to bring in Williams, he would be a massive upgrade.

Unai Emery has had issues with his position all season, with Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen struggling for consistent form.

This is simply something that needs to be solved in the summer, especially with Villa on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League.

Williams would solve this issue, with his stats being highly impressive in the Premier League.

According to Fotmob on 15 May, he is currently averaging 0.06 goals, 0.09 assists, 1.04 chances created, 0.89 successful dribbles, 2.71 tackles, 1.28 interceptions and 4.49 recoveries per 90 minutes.

Therefore, he would be more than capable of adding further quality to the squad rather than being an issue, something that the current left-backs are currently achieving.

Former scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Aston Villa will entertain offers for Digne in the summer transfer window.

The left-back has been at fault for numerous goals this season, and was particularly poor in Villa’s Europa League first-leg defeat to Nottingham Forest, where he conceded a penalty.

Emery is keen to upgrade the left-back spot during the upcoming summer transfer window, with Williams clearly being one target.

The position is seen as one of Villa’s top priorities this summer as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.

Digne is also expected to be open to moving on should sufficient interest emerge.

However, it remains to be seen how the saga unfolds over the coming months, with plenty of twists and turns expected.

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