Aston Villa are set to make a contract offer to defender Ashley Williams this summer, according to the Football Insider.
The reliable outlet report that Aston Villa are ready to offer the 34-year-old defender a deal, which it is believed would be worth less than the Wales international’s current contract with fellow Premier League side Everton.
Williams is thought to be weighting up his potential options this summer, with Dean Smith’s side thought to be facing competition to sign the centre-back, who spent last season on loan with Stoke City in the Championship, with some clubs form the MLS also interested.
Williams is set to be released by Everton this summer at the end of his current deal which expires at the end of the month, according to the club’s official website.
Good signing for Aston Villa?
Although Williams has had a frustrating end to his career at Everton, he would still offer plenty of Premier League experience for a newly promoted club such as Aston Villa ahead of the club’s first season back in the top flight.
The 34-year-old performed excellently for Swansea City in the Premier League, before his switch to Goodison Park, and the Wales international would offer leadership and organisation to Villa’s defence if they secure his signature.
However, having struggled in his last season in the Premier League with Everton in the 2017/18 campaign, Williams would be somewhat of a risk, although with the defender being available for a free transfer it would be an inexpensive risk.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10
Likely to happen?
With Williams available on a free transfer following his release from Everton it should be relatively straight forward to secure his signature for Villa, who would be able to offer the Wales international another chance at playing in the Premier League.
Although there are other clubs interested so Smith’s side might need to move swiftly to ensure they manage to secure a deal for Williams this summer.
Aston Villa are in need of some added strength to the heart of their defence, with Axel Tuanzebe and Tyrone Mings both heading back to their respective parent clubs following successful loan spells at Villa Park last term.
This is Futbol rating 7/10