Ian Rush wants Ashley Williams at Liverpool

Former Liverpool centre-forward Ian Rush has urged the club to purchase Ashley Williams from Swansea City in the summer.

The Reds have been heavily linked with the Welsh international as they seek a replacement for Jamie Carragher, who confirmed earlier this year that this season would be his last as a professional footballer.

Reports have suggested that the 28-year-old would command a fee of around £8m and Rush believes that his old club should match that valuation.

"To get in Ashley Williams would be great. I've seen him play for Wales on a number of occasions and he is organised and a good captain," Rush told the Liverpool Echo. "He knows what he is doing and the link to Liverpool is natural because Brendan Rodgers managed him at Swansea.

"At the right price Swansea would let him go although that they are in Europe next season may have a bearing on his decision. But he would be good for Liverpool with his experience."

Williams signed a new contract at the Liberty Stadium back in October that will run until 2015.