Brendan Rodgers is confident Ashley Williams would jump at the chance of a move to Liverpool.
The Reds will be in the market for a new defender when the transfer window reopens, with Jamie Carragher set to hang up his boots at the end of the season. There have also been suggestions that Daniel Agger or Martin Skrtel could be sold to raise more transfer funds, as Rodgers looks to build on the progress he is confident he has made since succeeding Kenny Dalglish.
The Northern Irish coach has made Williams his number one target, having worked with him during his time as manager of Swansea City. Indeed, whilst at the Liberty Stadium club last season, he described the Wales international as one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League.
Arsenal are also admirers of the 27-year-old, and reportedly made an offer of £9million to sign him during the January transfer window. However, this bid was rejected by the Welsh club, and their captain went on to lead them to League Cup glory against Bradford City in February.
Although Arsene Wenger is expected to renew his interest in Williams at the end of the season, The Telegraph claim Rodgers has reason to be confident of persuading his former charge to head to Merseyside. Firstly, he will feel his relationship with the player will play a big part in any decision he has to make, and secondly, the Swans star grew up as a big Liverpool supporter.
Michael Laudrup will be hopeful of persuading Williams, who is under contract until 2015, to resist all temptation to leave for pastures new, but the Dane will also understand that a sizeable offer will be difficult for his club to resist. Swansea will not be bullied into letting the former Stockport County man depart on the cheap though, and are expected to hold out for at least £12million.
