The Saints wanted to sign Williams last summer but were rebuffed by Manchester United, who wanted to keep the youngster at the club.

 

Another approach from Southampton was knocked back by the Red Devils in the winter transfer window but the Premier League giants are more receptive to loaning him out this time around.

 

 

There is an acceptance at Old Trafford that Williams will need more game time next season and Southampton and Norwich have been strongly linked with snapping him up on loan.

 

And it has been claimed that Southampton are now confident of getting a deal done to sign him on loan this summer.

 

 

But there is considerable ground to still make up for a deal to be agreed as the two clubs are yet to agree on a loan fee.

 

Manchester United were insistent on banking a steep loan fee when they allowed Jesse Lingard to join West Ham in January.

 

 

Southampton will also have to bear the entire cost of Williams’ wages during his loan stint.

 

The defender wants to play regular first-team football next season and has heard about Ralph Hasenhuttl’s coaching methods.

 

The Southampton manager is prepared to give Williams the time to make the left-back or right-back position his own next season.

 

As such, Southampton are in pole position to snap him up.