In-demand defender to become Premier League club’s highest paid player.
Swansea City are hoping to secure the future of their captain, Ashley Williams, by making him the highest paid player at the club, reports Wales Online, scuppering the interests of Arsenal, Sunderland and QPR in the process.
The central defender has just one year left on his current contract with the Welsh club and that has sparked interest from their Premier League rivals. Sunderland had reportedly made an offer for the Wales international worth around £4 million, but this has not been confirmed by the club.
The Swans are ready to open contract negotiations with Williams and are likely to boost his wages past the level of Wilfried Bony and Michu who are thought to be earning around £40,000.
Swansea boss Gary Monk recently spoke of the situation regarding Williams, suggesting that his captain wants to remain at the club: “I have spoken to Ash and he wants to be here. He knows my feelings about him too, so I am optimistic that we will get something sorted,” said Monk.
Whether the prospect of a new and improved contract at the Liberty Stadium will tempt Williams to stay is yet to be seen. At 29-years-old he is nearing the stage in his career when a big move would be unlikely. However, he does look set to remain in South Wales till at least next summer with the club prepared to spurn advances, even if that means he departs on a free transfer in 12 months.
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