According to the Daily Mail, Everton are keen to offload Ashley Williams this summer and Stoke City are interested in bringing the defender in on loan.
Ashley Williams has had a tricky time since securing his big move to Goodison Park in 2016. Since his arrival on Merseyside he has been a regular starter for the Toffees, although last season that was more down to a dearth of viable alternatives as the 33-year-old’s form plummeted.
Now, a drop down to Championship level looks likely, and would be a smart move for Williams to make if he wants to remain in contention for the Welsh international side.
Stoke look keen on a loan deal, but they aren’t the only second tier outfit who would do well to land Williams on a temporary agreement.
West Brom will be looking to bolster their defence this summer, and the addition of Williams would add a lot to their back line.
The Breakdown
Having already lost Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley this summer, the centre-back options that remain at the Hawthorns are lacking depth and experience. The recruitment of Williams would mean a healthy injection of both for this depleted squad.
Williams is also a player with a point to prove. He will want to demonstrate that he is still able to compete reliably at a high level.
The addition of a leader like Williams, who is able to organise a defence efficiently, could also help Darren Moore get the best out of the likes of Kyle Bartley and Ahmed Hegazy. It would also help the club avoid a repeat of last season’s difficulties that they suffered due to a lack of defensive discipline.
If the Baggies could pick up Williams on a loan deal during this transfer window then he’d add a lot to their squad for very little cost. The Wales international is a target worth fighting off the attentions of Stoke to secure.
