Football News & Rumors: Everton close to £10M Ashley Williams signing; Swansea City rejects offer

By Raymund Tamayo / Aug 03, 2016 02:45 AM EDT
(Photo : Facebook, via Football Transfer News) Initial reports have emerged that Everton had been close to a £10 million signing of Swansea City defender Ashley Williams, but the deal was eventually rejected by the Swans.

Initial reports have emerged that Everton had been close to a £10 million signing of Swansea City defender Ashley Williams, but the deal was eventually rejected by the Swans as club officials announced that their team captain is not for sale.

The Daily Star reported that Williams is set to be sold to the Toffees on Tuesday as a potential "replacement for John Stones who is expected to leave for Manchester City" also this summer.

New head coach Ronald Koeman is said to be insistent on buying a replacement first before approving the transfer of Jones to the Etihad and the veteran center back, who will turn 32 later this month, is said to be the Dutch manager's number one priority signing for his backfield.

Williams, who suited up for surprise semifinalists Wales in the recent Euro 2016, was acquired by Swansea in March of 2008 on loan from National League North club Stockport County.

It eventually became a permanent transfer, costing a then club record of £400,000, after he helped the Swans win the League One title leading to the team's promotion to the Football League Championship for the first time in 24 years.

With Williams' on-pitch leadership, Swansea finally reached the English top flight during the 2011-2012 season after winning a playoff match against Reading FC, 4-2.

The 6-foot defender had been linked to various Premier League clubs during the past several seasons, such as Arsenal and Liverpool, but the Welsh outfit had been firm on keeping him throughout the years.

BBC Sport noted that the Swans have again turned down the latest bid for Williams, which is a £10 million offer from the Toffees.

An official statement was released saying that "We (Swansea City) are not looking to sell him (Williams) and therefore we have turned down the offer currently on the table."

Williams had just finished his ninth season for the Swans last term. He currently has 346 games in all competitions under his belt with the Liberty Stadium giants. He had also scored 14 goals during the said time period playing mainly as a defender.

Everton's interest in Williams is said to have begun since last summer when ex-boss Roberto Martinez was still in charge.