Ashley Williams is in his third full season with Swansea City

Swansea City are confident key defensive duo Ashley Williams and Angel Rangel sign contract extensions at the high-flying Championship club.

Centre-back Williams and right-back Rangel have been linked with moves to the Premier League but both could agree to extended Liberty Stadium deals.

"In terms of Ashley, it is something I felt it was important for us to do," said Swans boss Brendan Rodgers.

"All the finances has been agreed but there are a few minor details."

Wales stand-in captain Williams only signed a new four-year contract in 2009 - to keep him at the Liberty Stadium until 2013 - but the Swans are keen to extend that for at least another year.

The 26-year-old defender , the 2009 Welsh football of the year, has been linked with a move to former Swans boss Roberto Martinez' new club Wigan Athletic as well as number of other Premier League clubs.

But Williams, who recently broke a club record of playing the most amount of consecutive league games, is to boost Rodgers and Swans fans as he is keen to commit his future to the Liberty Stadium club.

I want to keep the best players here Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers

Williams and central-defensive partner Garry Monk helped goalkeeper Dorus de Vries go six straight matches without scoring a goal earlier this season.

Williams has played every league game for the Swans since their promotion to the Championship in 2008 and Rodgers said: "At 26 years of age he is at a real good age now to extend that [deal] and keep him here.

"I'm certainly hoping it's nearing an end towards that contract. He has been offered it.

Rodgers is also keen for Spanish full-back Rangel to stay.

The 28-year-old was linked with a top-flight move to Blackpool after Swansea missed out on a place in the Championship play-offs last season.

The Swans turned down an undisclosed bid from the Premier League new boys in the summer.

But he signed a new one-year contract extension before the start of the season and is in talks over a new deal.

"Angel Rangel, again a player who I want to keep because I want to keep the best players here," said Rodgers.

"He came to me and said he was happy and loving being here and wants to get something sorted out on this deal which is great news.

"It shows he is happy with the progress we are making here and obviously now up to the club to secure that."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version