Southampton are reportedly taking an interest in Liverpool defender Neco Williams ahead of the summer transfer window, and if he were to make the move to St Mary's, he could be an excellent addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad.

According to The Athletic, the Saints are keen on the Welsh international and admire his versatility, so they could look to sign him on a deal similar to the one which saw them bring Kyle Walker-Peters to the south coast last summer after the right-back impressed in an initial loan spell.

The report suggests that Southampton admire the defender's versatility, as despite featuring predominantly as a right-back for Liverpool, Williams has appeared as a left-back for Wales on a number of occasions. Versatility in a player is definitely something that Hasenhuttl appreciates in his players, so the Austrian would surely love to have him in his squad.

The 19-year-old is a product of Liverpool's academy and has gone on to make 24 appearances for the first team under Jurgen Klopp in his career thus far, in which he has managed to contribute three assists.

However, the teenager is always likely to struggle for regular game-time at Anfield whilst he has Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of him, so perhaps the Reds would be willing to loan him to Southampton next season, where he could become an established part of Hasenhuttl's side.

The Austrian will no doubt be looking to sign someone who can play as a left-back this summer, especially if Ryan Bertrand ends up departing the club when his contract expires, so Williams could step in as his replacement.

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Injury problems have seriously disrupted Southampton's Premier League performances this season, so Williams could also provide excellent cover for Walker-Peters if he were to get injured, and this signing would definitely make a lot of sense for the Saints.

After impressing for Wales last year, national team boss Ryan Giggs was full of praise for the teenage defender, saying: "He is a fantastic player, still young and still learning, but the energy and quality he has shown when he has stepped up into the first team has been really good, so it's exciting."

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Therefore, if Southampton and Martin Semmens can complete a move for the £9m-rated Williams this summer, there seems no reason why he can't be a success with the Saints.

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