Rodgers to make summer move for Williams

Liverpool have emerged as favourites to secure the services of Swansea’s Ashley Williams, given the close relationship between Brendan Rodgers and the man he made captain at the Liberty Stadium.

Ex-Swansea manager Rodgers has so far steadfastly stuck to the transfer game plan introduced by Liverpool”s American owners, in pursuing only young, promising players who will retain a potential sell-on value.

Yet, Rodgers has made it clear he wants to add more experience in defence in the summer and the Wales international fits the bill perfectly, given his age and leadership qualities –  the latter being something Rodgers admitted only last week he was desperate to introduce into the side.

Rodgers has been given the green light by his owners to make the move, and is prepared to pay approaching £10million for Williams – a fee Swansea, who advanced to the final of the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night at Chelsea’s expense, will be able to command given the rival interest from the two north London clubs.

Rodgers offered a commitment he wouldn’t make any approach for Swansea players when he left the club last summer, a promise he kept, despite the ultimate capture of Joe Allen, as that move was triggered by a Spurs bid.

However, the promise was to stay away for one year, leaving the way clear for Rodgers to make his move in the coming close-season.