Stoke City, Barnsley and Preston North End are all interested in a move for Exeter winger Randell Williams, a report from Sky Sports' Transfer Centre (09/10, 14:05) has claimed.

Williams scored five goals and provided 17 assists in 40 league appearances last season to help Exeter reach the League Two play-off final, and it now seems as though the 23-year-old is close to making a considerable step up in level.

According to the latest reports, Williams is close to securing a move to the Championship although it seems his exact destination is yet to be decided.

It is thought that Stoke, Barnsley and Preston are all keen on a move for Williams, who has made a total of 60 appearances in all competitions for Exeter since joining from Watford back in the 2019 January transfer window.

As things stand, there are just under 12 months remaining on Williams' contract with Exeter, meaning this could be the League Two club's last chance to receive a decent fee for the winger.

The Verdict

This could be an excellent signing for one of these sides.

Williams had a huge influence on Exeter's promotion push last season, and you feel any of those three clubs would love to have him available to make that type of impact in the coming campaign.

For the winger as well, you feel this chance to step up to the Championship is one he will surely relish, so this is not an opportunity he is going to want to pass up.

Exeter meanwhile, will be disappointed to lose one of their key men, although the fee they ought to receive for Williams should be useful in the current climate, especially when his contract situation means he could leave for free next summer.