Ashley idol swings it

RONALD KOEMAN proved as big a factor in Ashley Williams signing for Everton as the club’s resolve over keeping striker Romelu Lukaku.

Central defender Ashley (below) may be 32 but he made it plain he still wants his career to crank up a notch — and the opportunity to be a student of former Barcelona star Koeman was too good to miss.

‘It was an added bonus,’ said Williams. ‘When I looked at it I thought he’s done well in his managerial career and he played my position, one of the best to ever play my position.

‘He’s got a head full of knowledge that he can pass on. So I’ll try and soak all that up and try to put it into my game and hopefully help my game and my career.’

Williams, who sparked interest from Arsenal prior leaving Swansea, also revealed he urged Lukaku to stay at Goodison Park as John Stones left for Manchester City.

‘It was great he stayed. I’d just signed and it was all going on,’ he added. ‘I was trying to say to him “stay, don’t leave”.

‘Obviously it shows Everton have ambition, want to go forward and make a move in the League and win cups and all that goes with it.

‘I don’t know what happened but Rom obviously liked what he heard from the club and the way it was going. I saw Everton wanting to do something this season or in the near future.’

LEEDS are ready to appoint Francesco Marroccu as their new sporting director.

The Italian has been watching manager Garry Monk put the players through their paces in training at Thorp Arch.

He has previously worked under Leeds owner Massimo Cellino at Cagliari.