In an episode which is fast resembling a soap opera, Williams' agent, Khoder Nasser, visited Christchurch on Wednesday to meet Crusaders officials and discuss a move to the mainland for the Toulon midfield back.
Nasser had earlier this week met All Blacks coach Graham Henry and officials from the Blues and Chiefs, and northern provincial unions.
The New Zealand Rugby Union is aggressively chasing Williams, as it looks to sign a player who has reputedly made big strides in his rugby career in recent months.
Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid said the Highlanders would really want a player like Williams, but so did "a lot of other people".
"From a Highlanders point of view he is an option we would like to have but we're not the only ones like that," Reid said.
In one way it would be easier for a franchise to attract Williams as he is not tied to any contract within New Zealand, he said.
Any deal would have to be backed by the New Zealand Rugby Union, which would bankroll much of Williams' wage.
While it might seem logical for Williams to move south to help the Highlanders, the weakest New Zealand side in the Super 14, it seems unlikely he would venture south.
He was brought up in Auckland, and may seek to link up with Counties-Manukau, where his former Toulon team-mate, Tama Umaga, will be coaching.
