Harriers' midfield hardman

The Welsh U-21 powerhouse was due to sign a two-year contract at Aggborough today after his release from Wrexham.

Like Harriers striker Ian Foster, the tough-tackling midfielder, who turns 22 next month, is a product of the Anfield youth system.

But the aggressive side of his game earned him a red card in the last league fixture of 2000/2001 and an early suspension of at least two games for the coming season.

Williams spent two years at Second Division Wrexham, making 48 appearances and scoring four goals, after Liverpool released him when he was 19.

He ended last season as a regular for Wrexham but had otherwise been in and out of the first 11 despite showing signs of his potential.

Williams was also shipped out for a six-game loan spell at Conference side Doncaster Rovers and is believed to have attracted attention from Chester City in that division.

Boss Jan Molby, who took full advantage of his own Liverpool connections, said: "I'm surprised Wrexham let Danny go but I believe he was about the last they decided on.

"He's a big, strong lad who puts his foot in and will give us a physical presence in midfield.

"He's a different midfielder to what we have and is certainly more aggressive than any of them.

"From time to time, you need some strong players. He's also an excellent passer of the ball.

"Though not the most mobile, he would do a great job for us in Division Three.

"He might not be in the team all season at his age but he will certainly be something for the future."

Williams, based in Mold, has played for Wales U-21s against the likes of Belarus, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

At 6ft 1ins, he can also play in defence and his fierce long-range shooting will be another weapon for Harriers.

Molby spent much of Tuesday talking to potential new signings, including Williams who contacted him and agreed to join, and was set to make one or two offers yesterday.

But Harriers face competition for their targets - some named by Molby - and must keep within a strict budget.

The Dane stressed: "We want to bring in players with games under their belt who are physically and mentally strong.

"There is a lot of ability in the squad already. We have defenders who can play and excellent talent in players like Daire Doyle, Andy Ducros and Dean Bennett."

That leaves a number of areas Molby hopes to fill, preferably before pre-season training on Monday, July 9.

He is after a keeper to take the pressure off inexperienced Stuart Brock and Brendan Murphy.

Two that fit the bill are Frank Talia, 28, a regular at Swindon for several seasons, and Carl Emberson, 27, who was Colchester's first choice before joining Walsall.

But Molby admitted: "There are a number of clubs looking for keepers and it isn't going to be easy to bring one in."

The left-hand side has been a regular problem but Molby has players in mind.

However, there is competition for Daniel Hall, a 19-year-old freed by Coventry, and another ex-Sky Blue in Sam Shilton, 22, son of keeper Peter, who can also play as a winger.

Molby explained: "Hall is an exciting prospect who could be cover for Scott Stamps. But he's been offered pre-season training at Norwich and that may be what he wants to do.

"Shilton lives in Birmingham and has played in a successful Hartlepool team over the last two years. But I believe Northampton are interested as well."

Molby has also been looking at two midfielders in Neil Smith and ex-England U-21 cap Mark Blake.

Blake, once of Aston Villa and Leicester, returned from holiday this week but sources suggest at least six sides are chasing the 30-year-old released by Mansfield.

Neil Smith, 29, was the subject of a failed loan bid from Molby last season and has vast experience at Gillingham, Fulham and Reading.

The wages of both will be a deciding factor.

Molby is also after a commanding centre-back and Chris Lightfoot, 31, is still an option if he lowers his demands.

Meanwhile, midfield man Neil MacKenzie is due to give an answer on a final contract offer.