Rovers boss hints at exit for Swans target Williams
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BLACKBURN Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has issued a strong hint that defender Derrick Williams will leave the club in the near future amid interest from Swansea City.
Steve Cooper is keen to bolster his defensive options following the recent exits of Mike van der Hoorn and Ben Wilmot.
The Swans have seen Kyle Naughton sign a new contract while Marc Guehi has rejoined the club on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.
However, Swansea are still lacking experience at the heart of their defence.
It’s understood Swansea are admirers of Republic of Ireland international Williams as his experience in the EFL would be just what they need.
The defender still has one year left to run on his contract at Ewood Park, and, as such, Rovers are thought to want a seven-figure sum for the centre-back – who can also operate at left-back.
At present, Swansea would struggle to pay such a fee, particularly after landing attacker Jamal Lowe from Wigan Athletic.
They could well raise funds by offloading players in the near future, with Swansea refusing to close the door on a possible deal for Williams.
And Mowbray has revealed there has been plenty of interest in the Germany-born man over the course of the summer.
“He’s been very good for us in my period at the football club, mainly as a left-back for a few years,” he told BBC Lancashire Sport.
“I had conversations with him where he saw himself as a central defender and I was happy to use the versatility.
“Derrick’s life has changed a little bit, I suppose. He’s got a family now. There’s been various opportunities for him over the last few months which we’ve explored.
“It looks like it’s coming to a culmination over the next week or two. If it does, good for Derrick.
“It’ll be right for the football club, it might give us something to move things around.
“If it doesn’t he’ll have to get his head down and get on with it. That’s football and I’ve told him that. Every player has got a valuation and clubs have to meet that valuation otherwise he’ll get on with his job.
“But if it’s the end of this period, then Derrick Williams has been a big asset for our football club in a couple of positions and I’ve enjoyed the time working with him.”
Williams made 19 appearances in all competitions for Blackburn last term, scoring three goals.
The 27-year-old – who has won three caps for his country – joined Rovers from Bristol City in 2016.