Southampton are preparing a bid for Liverpool star as they look to beat rival Premier League clubs to his signature, Football Insider understands.
The south coast club are lining up a move after Williams’ move to Nottingham Forest stalled following their failure to agree a fee with the Champions League finalists.
A Southampton source has told Football Insider they are keen to win the race for the Wales right-back, 21, and a formal offer is being readied. Liverpool are believed to be holding out for a total package of £20million including add-ons for Williams.
Forest had agreed personal terms with Williams but Liverpool’s valuation is a major stumbling block to a deal.
The Merseysiders have increased their asking price due to the level of interest in the defender following his impressive loan spell at Fulham last term.
Fulham is still interested in making Williams a permanent addition, but Southampton and Forest are now in the lead.
Despite Williams’ eagerness to join Forest, a deal that was reportedly worth over £12 million has been rejected, and Forest may now turn their attention to other possibilities.
At Liverpool, where Trent Alexander-Arnold is the starting right-back and the club recently purchased Calvin Ramsay, 18, for an initial £4 million, the right-back has fallen down the pecking order.
Williams played a big role for the Londoners during the second half of the season, making 14 appearances as they cantered to promotion.
His contract at Anfield runs until the summer of 2025.