Swansea City's Ashley Williams (R) (Photo : Reuters)
English club Everton FC is reportedly preparing a bid for Welsh center back Ashley Williams of fellow Premier League team Swansea City AFC in case their prized defender John Stones gets snagged by the trio of big-time English organizations Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United.
ESPN reported that the Toffees are "weighing up a move" for the 30-year-old veteran defender if their 21-year-old up and coming right back would decide to leave Goodison Park this year.
The lure of playing for a big market team and a higher salary might be too hard for the young Stones to resist, and so Everton manager Roberto Martínez is not taking any chances and said to be looking for a plan B regarding the whole scenario.
Although Martínez is adamant that Stones will not be sold to anyone for any amount, there were rumors that a £34 million bid, which would be the British transfer record for a defender, would make the Toffees give in. Chelsea and United are reportedly ready to spend that amount of money for Stones.
Martínez had always been fond of the Wales national team captain. The 42-year-old Spanish coach was actually the one who hired Williams during his time at Swansea in 2008 and is allegedly looking for a reunion with his prized defender.
However, Metro reported that Swans manager Garry Monk is "reluctant" to part ways with his team captain and refuses to believe that Williams will leave the Liberty Stadium any time soon.
"Ash will be here. He'll be here with Swansea," said the young coach and former Swansea player. "For the past six or seven years he's been linked with a team in the summer, and whether that's actual interest or driven by the papers and agents, I don't know, but Ash is very committed to the club."
