Report: Stoke looking at Everton’s Ashley Williams

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Stoke City are reportedly interested in signing Ashley Williams from Everton, who have apparently already lined up a replacement.

According to a report from the Guardian, Stoke City are interested in signing Ashley Williams as they prepare for life in the Championship, and Everton already have a potential replacement lined up for the Wales international.

Everton’s £12 million move for the centre-back in 2016 – fee reported by BBC Sport – appeared to be an incredibly shrewd piece of business from the Toffees with Williams proving to be a fantastic servant to Swansea City having played in all of the top three divisions with the Swans.

However, Williams has struggled to win over the Goodison Park faithful during his time on Merseyside. The 33-year-old has struggled for form and has perhaps been able to make as many appearances for the club as he has due to the whole defensive unit looking vulnerable over the last couple of years.

The Guardian reports that Marco Silva is planning to get rid of a number of players this summer, and Williams appears to be one of those who will be free to leave if the right bid comes in. And Stoke are reportedly contemplating whether to make an offer for the defender.

It would be no great surprise if Everton were listening to offers for Williams, especially as the Guardian is reporting that Jannik Vestergaard has already been identified as a potential replacement for Williams.

For Stoke, Williams would arguably be a very good signing as they look to get themselves back to the highest level at the first attempt. Gary Rowett already has several leaders at his disposal following his appointment earlier this summer, and Williams would certainly be added into that category if he did move.