Manchester United wanted midfielder Joe Williams, permanent Leeds move would be coup

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Leeds linked with swoop for Everton midfielder.

Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom was this week linked with a move for Everton talent Joe Williams. (The Sun 18/3 Page 60)

Heckingbottom knows Williams well, signing him on loan at Barnsley.

Williams has performed well at Oakwell, and Heckinbottom’s desire to sign him permanently is understandable.

Leeds signing Williams would be an excellent addition, not just for managing to swipe him away from their Championship competitors.

Williams was a player Manchester United had their eye on in 2015, The Mail reported at the time, reportedly scouting him extensively.

Jose Mourinho’s appointment a year later appears to have caused the Red Devils to re-assess their priorities, and Williams remains an Everton player.

Their interest highlights’ Williams’ quality, and he has adapted seamlessly to Championship football this season.

Everton could well choose to build on his progress and fast-track him into their first team set up – but this will depend on other in’s and out’s at Goodison Park this summer.

Williams is good enough for a Premier League chance, which is why Leeds would be pulling off a major coup if they can bring him to Elland Road on a permanent basis this summer.