Rhys Williams to Aberdeen FC transfer latest as Liverpool 'sanction' deal with Dons leading the chase

Liverpool are willing to let the 22-year-old leave and it's Aberdeen who are favourites to land him on loan.

Rhys Williams is edging closer to a move away from Liverpool with Aberdeen favourites to sign him due to their favourable relationship with the Anfield giants.

But it's likely to be an initial loan with Liverpool not prepared to move him on permanently just yet. The news broke on Sunday night the Dons were interested in signing Williams who comes highly-rated after bursting into the Anfield first team two years ago. He's since had loan spells away to gather senior experience and Aberdeen are keen to bring him to Scotland to continue his development.

Any deal is expected to be another loan with the 22-year-old still under contract until 2026 and hopes remain high he can re-establish himself as a Liverpool first-team contender in the future. Encouragingly for the Pittodrie side though, The ECHO say that while a number of clubs are interested, they are currently "leading the race" for his signature after Liverpool sanctioned a temporary move away.

They note that is due to the strong relationship between the two clubs who have recently traded players. It's said Liverpool are more than happy to do business with Aberdeen having been pleased with negotiations that took Calvin Ramsay to Anfield and the deal that saw Leighton Clarkson go on loan, and then permanently, in the other direction.

Also going in the Dons' favour is the guarantee of European football and Liverpool may be keen to see him play regularly in the Europa or Conference Leagues before making a permanent decision next year. And while any deal for Williams seems unlikely to include any permanent option, they may be hoping for a rinse and repeat of the Clarkson deal that could see them land the centre-back permanently in 12 months if he settles into Scottish Premiership football.