Report: Swansea skipper Williams set for £10M Everton switch
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Everton is reportedly edging towards its first outfield acquisition of the transfer window, tempting Swansea City captain Ashley Williams to Merseyside at a cost of £10 million, according to the Guardian's Andy Hunter.
Ronald Koeman and Steve Walsh, the new manager and director of football, respectively, had highlighted the Welsh stalwart as a chief defensive target this summer, according to Hunter, particularly given the continued injury woes of Phil Jagielka, 33, and the touted transfer of John Stones to Manchester City.
A deal is reportedly "agreed in principle" for the 31-year-old Williams, who has two years left on his Swansea contract.
Everton would be picking up a proven performer at the top level in the stout centre-half, and one who has represented the Swans valiantly since moving from Stockport County for £300,000 in March 2008. He's represented the South Wales club across three tiers, and inherited the skipper's armband from Garry Monk in 2013.
Williams initially failed to make the grade at West Bromwich Albion through being born in nearby Wolverhampton, but went on to become an esteemed international for Wales - the homeland of his maternal grandfather. He's yet to undergo preseason training for 2016-17 due to being handed an extended rest after guiding the Dragons to the Euro 2016 semi-finals in July.
"What's not to like? He understands the game, he has real bravery, and is a real leader as well," said former Everton winger Pat Nevin on the reports.
"Everyone is looking for a dependable centre half and he's one. I've heard £10 million - that would be great business for Everton."
The expected arrival of Williams could spark a deluge of transfer activity at Goodison Park, particularly if the protracted sales of Stones and Romelu Lukaku rake in around £100 million. The latter has been subject of interest from his former club Chelsea, but it's understood the Toffees are yet to receive a bid for the Belgian striker.
Koeman will man the Everton technical area for the first time in a competitive match when his side opens its Premier League term against Tottenham Hotspur on Aug. 13.