Reports: Williams set to join Everton

On a personal level, whenever I have watched him, I have disliked him; that probably means that, if he played for us, I would love him (à la Cahill). Overall, it reminds me very much of the Distin signing and that worked out very well.

This is a signing to "stop the rot".

Our new majority shareholder has no doubt said to Koeman something along the lines of - "I don't expect instant success.

I do want growth and development over the next three years.

Here is the Gantt chart.

Year 1, steady the ship and get us back into the top 7.

Year 2 - keep developing the squad and get us bak into the top 5.

Year 3 - aim for the title - but we will accept a top 4 finish."

I think Ashley William's - if he signs - is very much part of the "steady the ship" strategy.

Young players aren't leaders so we have to get someone with experience. He will buy us the time we need for Holgate, Galloway etc to mature into fully fledged first team players.

Great signing if we get him.

AND he was injured (shoulder) in the Euros but refused to come off and was back playing in the next game – guts and dedication – oh yes did you see that header he scored?

I'm happy as long as this signing is the exception rather than the rule. I don't want us to sign anymore old codgers this window.

"It's fine, it's FINE!!!..."

Fucking hero that man. Yes, please.

Like Barry must have reminded us – you can only have so much potential before you actually need the finished article.

I'd take Fonte as well if possible, as we need four good centre halves and we're going to lose Stones it seems.

After this, a top class keeper is needed.

We have fretted over money for years but, my God it is not our money and I think I will enjoy who we sign and rely on Mr Moshiri to keep an eye on his investment.

My initial reaction is surely we can do better with the heavy caveat I haven't seen that much of him apart from when he plays against us and the Euros. But every single Swansea fan I've seen post about this on various social media sites are absolutely gutted he could be leaving.

So just from that, I hope he comes on board and isn't more tabloid bull! Fans (normally) know the good 'uns v the bad 'uns.

A, 㾶 million ain't a big sum these days, even before the Moshiri money.

B, 31 ain't actually that old these days. Most players are clean living and look after themselves. His injury record certainly suggest's this.

I'm amazed for the the price, the likes of Arsenal haven't come in for him.

He's a proven quality player in the Premier League and will instantly come in and improve our team.

My only concern would be that he only knows how to play the 'Swansea Way'; can he transfer that into another team??

Now I'd like us to look at a playmaker (Mata, Nasri or even Sigurdsson), bring in a pure DM, sign a goalkeeper (Forster, Begovic, Szczesny) and another striker (Borja Gonzàlez, Alcacer).

Funes Mori playing like a novice getting caught in possession; Baines stopping to pull his socks up 10 yards from the opposition's goal when the other side were breaking away.

Alex Song just left Barcelona for nothing, why didn't we get him? No-brainer for me, only 28... better than what we have? Definitely.

I'm getting worried.

Stones is the easy one, he's off to Man City, but the others, Jagielka and Funes Mori, what does the future hold for them?

The way I see it is Funes Mori is an Argentinian international, he's at an age where one good season could see his price rocket.

Some fans don't rate Funes Mori, but for me he has to be vital to us this season. He may have had a slightly topsy turvy start to the Premier League, but there aren't many centre-backs who haven't. Look at Loveren across the park, raved over at Southampton, then ridiculed at the Red Shite. Then a change of manager and style of play and he's back on track. Look at Koscielny at Arsenal, he struggled, but last season his stats were second to none. I believe Funes Mori will prove to be a top find throughout the course of this season.

Jagielka will be 34 before the start of the season, and whilst I think he still has miles on the clock, one might begin to wonder just how many miles that is.

All food for thought, but if we did not already own Funes Mori, and were currently linked with a 6-foot-odd Argentinian international who played every minute of their recent Copa America campaign, and who has a knack of scoring goals, we would all be buzzing with excitement. But as it is, some of our fans are judging him on a first season in which we had a manager who somehow managed to make Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, and Stones all look like clowns.

I love Jags, but I have to side with team Funes Mori.

Roberto drove us to the edge of a cliff in three years. Ronalld will turn us around 100% in a similar time frame.

Wonderful management move.

COYB.

Whoever comes in has to be seen as a potential replacement for Jags, who's getting older and slower and very prone to hamstring injuries over the last year or two. With Stones likely going, Funes Mori has the potential to be the heart of a new defence for the coming years if we can hold on to him.

Let's face it, there's already been interest in him from both the Spanish and Italian leagues so it's obvious they have seem his potential and I still fail to understand the amount of negativity often shown on TW towards the lad.

Add to that, he is a legend at Swansea, who have just been taken over and are flush with cash, and if this story is true, it is a mighty feather in Koeman/Walsh's cap.

I'm one of the doubters re: Funes Mori. Your synopsis has me reconsidering.

Ash met with Everton last Wednesday and personal terms were offered, he returned to Swansea chairman to basically say I'm off, and Huw Jenkins has refused to match the wages, so looks like this one has a bit of meat on it and he's on his way to Goodison.

I believe the negativity towards Funes Mori is justified, he cannot pass a ball out of defence, he overhits, underhits, gives hospital balls and often puts us back under pressure unnecessarily.

I know Martinez wanted to play it from defence on the deck and granted there will be an improvement as Funes Mori will not be expected to start attacks from centre-half, but passing for me is at least 25% of what makes a decent player and this guy has never shown any aptitude for this part of the game.

I like the Distin comparison, but say he's more like Richard Gough when we signed him, towards the end of his career. Not the tallest or quickest, but fearless, reads the game well; through a tough spell, Gough was an outstanding defender for us.

Question: Who would you get in instead given the position the club are in in that position?

It's a total no-brainier and, if I am honest, I am surprised we are pulling this off

In a week or so, we will have to deal with Messrs Ibrahomovic and Rooney – quite a physical challenge. I think Williams and Funes Mori can handle them.

Pity about Jagielka – he put his body on the line for us in the semi. I suspect he is now paying the price for that.

The guy has admirable characteristics – battler, leader, unassuming, loyal and not a headliner-grabber. Just the sort of player we Evertonians seem to take to. Not a bad defender either. Let's hope this happens.

Leader on the pitch and understands the importance of working as a team. Led by example at the Euros. £10 million is nothing in this industry and, as said before, we will have at least 2 very good seasons from a him and he'll be a great role model for the younger lads.

He wants a new challenge... Rom, John, take note! Here is someone who actually wants to play for us.

I would rather we spent £10m on him than £9m on Fonte, who's a year older. 32 is getting on a bit but he should have at least two years of top flight football left in him. If lucky, he'll do a Distin and give us 4.

He's not some one who's just desperate to get off his stepping stone to shove even more money under his mattress before he's even the finished article. Maybe not as bad an example as you think.

Get him in, make him captain and watch our defence go up a level.

I'll make a prediction that him and Koeman will inspire Funes Mori into becoming a world-class centre-back. He's more naturally gifted than Williams and has the same passion but lacks organisation, discipline and focus. By the end of the season, I can see Funes Mori bagging 8-10 goals and becoming a wanted man.

Give him a one-year rolling contract and see how he does. And see how really committed he is to the new world dawning at Everton Football Club, the biggest club he has performed for or will ever perform for. If he signs, of course!

One-year contracts are for players who are already at the tail end of their playing careers and at the end of the contract with their current club.

You never know?! Why not?!

He has balls, something we've been lacking for a few years but he isn't close to Ratcliffe. He also plays on the left side doesn't he? Better to partner Stones than replace him!

And please let's get rid of that Lukaku prick.

If Stones goes, I would hope we would be seeking a replacement for him. Unless that is, Koeman thinks Holgate, Pennington and Galloway are sufficient cover for Williams, Konte and a fit Jagielka.

Welsh captain who brought together a bunch of kids and lower league players and moulded them to qualify for the Euros, the best performing British nation. Quite clearly who didn't watch Wales qualify or play in the Euros.

Ashley Williams is perfect for us as we look like we are bringing youngsters through instead of big name signings. Ask any of the Welsh squad what he is! Those hammerings in Anfield will never happen with him there and his 'never surrender' attitude. Never injured and scores goals... Perfect!

Marko Arnautovic set to sign - signs a new 4 year deal with Stoke.

Gylfi Sigurddson bid expected - Sigurddson signs new 4 year deal.

I'm preparing myself for a headline stating 'Williams pledges future to Swans'.

Totally random one and off-thread; Schweinsteiger anyone? Past his best - yes. But his best was the very best. Play every match - no. But his presence and influence? At 32, another Barry-type purchase to compliment and nurture the younger players only this time we are talking truly top drawer pedigree.

Just a thought!

There are quite a number of contributors to this thread who seem to think that 㾶 million isn't that much money these days. In the eloquent phrase of one such scribe the said amount is a mere "pin prick on an elephant's bum." Maybe, maybe not. If it is the case then what is the harm in making this person, particularly at his age, take such a deal as I suggest?

It's been employed in football over the years to ensure players, and managers stay focused and don't allow the power of a very lucrative contract over a long term make them lazy and uncooperative.

Bet Manchester United wished they'd took the one-year rolling deal regarding Moyes's contract arrangements. At the time he would have gone there without a contract at all. Cost them millions to unload the production-less numpty.

On the other hand, it kept Holloway honest at Blackpool for the 3 years he was there. Earned the owners 䀆 million from the Premier League miracle, nearly kept them up against all odds and then got them to the Play-off final the next year. Ultimately of course the owner's notorious frugality saw him walk soon after.

Anyway, Williams seems a reasonable sort and will no doubt be given an overlong contract at top dollar and, like all players today at this level, they and they alone decide whether to actually earn money already banked.

On the positive side he is a good leader and will clear the ball to Row Z. There are better buys out there and this is from a proud Welshman who has watched Williams on a regular basis.

Also, why would we want Song? He couldn't break into the West Ham team but he cannot hold his position. He is not a great passer so what exactly does he bring? Energy, yes, but I'd rather invest in a pure DM or a deep lying playmaker. Not a square peg in a round hole who goes AWOL, and will join the likes of Barkley, Deulofeu and Lukaku in attack when he should be covering the spaces left in behind. He hasn't had a good season in 4 years and will be 29 next month, and his age will have an effect on a game based around energy.

Williams passes the ball well. He is a leader and is one of the league's most consistent defenders. Of course he makes an occasional mistake, as does every defender in this league, and every defender in the world. Watch Pique's error against Atletico. Look at Silva's display against City. Look at some of Koscielny's performances, or Kompany's over the past couple of seasons. Williams would be going for 㿀 million if he was three years younger, and 㾶 million is more than fair and very good business. It gives us time to develop the likes of Galloway and Holgate and scout for a long-term successor to Jagielka or Williams depending on how they are doing. We need players for the future, but we also need players for now, and Williams is certainly one of those.

If there is one deal to date that gives me comfort it is this one, if it gets over the line. RK has taken as much of the limited time available to him to judge the resources at his disposal. I am sure he was disappointed if not shocked.

In bringing Ashley Williams to the Club he has obtained the best jigsaw piece to fit the unique challenge in front of him. An option I would never have imagined was possible. Obtaining the services of one of the most reliable, premier league experienced captains and solid defenders available in world football today for 10m! Holy shit, that's the sign of an active and shrewd manager. Brilliant.

This is an example of what Moshiri saw in RK, so kudos there too.

Like most Evertonians with experience of being shut away from the top table, to suddenly digest a large transfer budget seems quite uncomfortable. I understand and respect that. However the big difference for RK as manager of Everton now, instead of Southampton, is he does not have to oversee an annual selling mentality. He can build with confidence. Wanyama and Maine leaving is not like Rom and John, who have history and emotional baggage, and even allowing for this the Club are clearly not anxious to sell, unless it is at a 'generous' price.

A center half who will likely vie for Jags with the captaincy, will together with Jags, Barry and Baines form the 'old guard' who will be able to steady the ship and pass on their valued experience to the younger players is a master stroke. Absolute genius.

I've lot's of South Wales friends from my uni' days and to a man they are gutted that he is potentially leaving. They are fucking speechless!

Please lets get this done asap. . . . . . COYB

Short term rolling contracts are rarely used to recruit players except where a player is patently at the end of his career (which Williams is clearly not after his displays at the Euros) or when coming back from a career-threatening injury. They are used effectively to retain existing players (like Distin) whose future is uncertain.

It's a sellers market these days. The normal rules of commerce don't apply. If they did we'd demand our money back on Niasse under the warranty on the basis that he didn't match the product description.

Quality signing, could be our finest in years.

I also found this,

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/everton-set-sign-idrissa-gueye-8545824

It is going to be a busy week COYB.

That's something we have lacked.

He's not due back to training with Swansea until tomorrow, so I presume we will know a lot more in the morning as to if he turns up and joins in or not.

Good to see an Everton manager going straight for the spine of the team. When that's good, the team's usually good.

He is a great leader and defender! I have met him a few times in the school I work in and I can also confirm he is a smashing fella too!

Hope he signs and goes onto great things with the Blues!

Seems to me he's a bit like Distin in that he's a very good athlete and takes care of himself and should give us a good 2-3 years at the top flight minimum. £10-11m is still a lot for me but given defense is our Achilles heel at the moment, we need/needed a short term fix.

A one-year rolling contract for a £10-11m buy is a bit ridiculous. If we didn't think he'd be good enough we wouldn't offer that much in the first place. If he has a great season then some other club will offer him huge money in 12 months time (even Jan) to go to them on a free.

Bring him in and put him straight in the first team next to Funes Mori, Coleman and Baines. With Stekelenburg in goal, that's the defence sorted for Spurs.

Also... MAKE HIM CAPTAIN!

Martinez did sign him, when he was Swansea manager...

• Yes, "Williams is a leader at the back," – so fecking what! (Most centre-halves are brought up to be leaders on the field, except ours.

• Welsh Captain! ... What the feck has that got to do with it?

• Brought together a bunch of kids and lower league players? ...there were a minimum of 9 Premier League players actively involved, plus one of the world's best players.. Bale! Bit disrespectful that to the whole Welsh squad!!

• Best performing nation... That wasn't fecking hard to do was it!

• Quite clearly who didn't watch Wales qualify and play at euros... Quite right, I did, I was there supporting my fecking country, Wales!!! Was you?

• Williams would be perfect fit for us. Okay, fit short term, yes! IMO... I believe we could do better looking for a younger and still very experienced player, who could maybe still do well at Anfield!! And even score some goals too!! I believe we have panicked a little due to the season starting in two weeks and looked for a short term fix (and I get that). And yes, maybe he could help bring through the young central defenders we have, good shout!

• Ask any of the Welsh squad What's he like? What do you mean? (What's he like?) Anyway, I know what character the lad has; also, I know quite a lot about the lad and most is positive! But, I believe we could do better! "Who?" you say. That's Walsh's job, not mine to do.

• Those hammering at Anfield would never happen if he was there? How the feck can you say that? Are you deluded??

• He scores goals! Well I hope he does, that's part of his fecking job has a professional footballer!! (Normally being a centre-half, you would have a presence about you – or you should have!!)

• Never injured! (Never?) – rarely injured!... Good shout!!

Keep the faith.