Swansea centre-half could be allowed to leave to raise funds for new signings.
Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup has admitted he may have to sell Arsenal target Ashley Williams to help fund the Jacks’ summer spending.
Williams, 28, has been linked with an £8m move to the Gunners, while Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is also thought to be keen on his former charge.
Joe Allen left the Liberty Stadium for Anfield in a £15m move last summer, a deal which allowed Laudrup to spend wisely in the transfer market, and the Dane has admitted one of his stars – most likely Williams – could depart before next season.
“There has been a lot of talk and let’s see what happens. He extended his contract not so long ago, like I did. Maybe we have to accept one player will go, but not any more,” the Dane told the Daily Express.
Wales international Williams signed a new contract with Swansea until 2015 last October but interest in the League Cup winning skipper remains high, particularly as both Arsenal and Liverpool are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements.
Laudrup concedes that the centre-back’s sale could be necessary to allow the south Wales outfit to compete with their rivals next season.
“We need some players and we have to strengthen our squad to compete and try to consolidate the team,” added the 48-year-old.
“There is a lot of work to do this summer. One thing is to find them and another to then go and sign them.
“We have to strengthen to consolidate in mid-table because a lot of the teams below us will spend more money. Teams like Newcastle and West Ham – who are buying Andy Carroll.
“Those sums are way above what we are paying so we have to do things in different ways.”
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