Transfer Centre

Swansea City boss Garry Monk rules out Ashley Williams exit

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 29 July 2015

Swansea City boss Garry Monk says that club captain Ashley Williams will not be leaving this summer, following speculation linking him with Crystal Palace.

Swansea City manager Garry Monk has insisted that captain Ashley Williams will not be leaving the club, amid speculation linking him with Crystal Palace.

It has been said that Palace boss Alan Pardew was keen to sign the 30-year-old defender, with the club reportedly making a formal approach.

However, Monk has reiterated that the Wales international is happy to remain at Swansea.

"Ash will be here, he'll be here with Swansea. I've got a good relationship with him, he's our captain and obviously I played with him for many years as well," Monk told talkSPORT.

"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, he's our captain and he's captain of Wales as well, it's a big year for him with qualification coming up with his country.

"I don't think he'll want to do anything that unsettles him. He'll want to give himself the best chance to qualify with Wales and have a good season with Swansea as well. I know he is looking forward to it and is fully focused on the season ahead with Swansea."

Williams joined Swansea from Stockport County in 2008.