Liverpool 'rejected late Southampton loan bid for Neco Williams'

Liverpool reportedly prevented Neco Williams from joining Southampton on loan during the final hours of the transfer window.

Late on Monday night, the Saints confirmed that they had negotiated a loan deal for Liverpool playmaker Takumi Minamino.

While Ralph Hasenhuttl had been able to strengthen in the final third, he had been left short at right-back after failed bids for Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Japhet Tanganga.

According to 90 min, Southampton expressed an interest in signing Wales international Williams on a temporary deal until the end of the season.

However, despite only making one outing during January, the 19-year-old was not allowed to make the switch to St Mary's.

Williams has been restricted to seven starts and three substitute appearances in all competitions this season.