Everton want Swansea’s Ashley Williams to replace Manchester City-bound John Stones
Ronald Koeman targeting £10million offer for Wales skipper as he faces up to prospect of losing classy England defender
EVERTON are lining up Ashley Williams as a replacement for Manchester City-bound John Stones.
New Etihad boss, Pep Guardiola, has made the classy Toffees centre-back his No1 defensive target — but knows it will take a bid of at least £40million to land the England ace.
And Everton are preparing themselves for Stones’ exit.
Ronald Koeman is lining up a £10million bid for Swansea skipper, Williams.
The Welsh side’s boss, Francesco Guidolin, admits he is unsure if the 31-year-old will still be at the Liberty Stadium come the start of the season.
He said: “For me, the transfer market is too long. Ashley is very important to us and I don’t know what the situation is.”
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Williams has made over 300 appearances for the Swans since joining from Stockport in 2008.
He was part of a side which earned promotion to the Premier League in 2011 and won the League Cup under Michael Laudrup two years later.
Earlier this summer, Williams skippered Wales to a famous run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
David Moyes brought Stones to Everton from Barnsley — but it was under Roberto Martinez where he established himself as a first-team player.
The 22-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea last summer, but the Toffees stayed firm, despite the defender handing a transfer request.
It appears they may finally have to admit defeat in their bid to keep Stones, with City ready to make them offer they can’t refuse.
He was part of England's 23-man squad for Euro 2016, but didn't make an appearance.