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.