Sousa Expects Premiership Interest In Williams

Following speculation over the weekend linking Welsh international Ashley Williams with interest from Premiership clubs, Sousa says he expects it.

The Swansea City manager told BBC Sport that he has no doubts that top flight sides are watching his progress at the Liberty Stadium.

The 25 year-old's profile and reputation has grown this week after he won Wales' player of the year and club player of the year awards. John Toshack also gave him the captain's armband in Saturday's 3-0 win over Scotland.

The News of the World linked the centre back with a move to Wigan Athletic where former boss Roberto Martinez is now manager, as well as Sunderland and Newcastle United.

Sousa told BBC Sport:

'I don't have any doubts about clubs watching him,'

'He can play in the Premier League, of course as I recognise other players in the Premier League are not better than him,'

The two-time consecutive European Cup winner also said that he wouldn't stand in the player's way if an excellent career move came his way.

'I think of the players first,'

'And if these things happens and it is good for him and then I'll be very happy for him.'

'He already has the quality to play in outstanding teams,'

'The boy deserves all of these things as he works hard every day and is very focused.

'Ashley has grown a lot and has developed a lot as a player. But he has time to progress, be more consistent in his game and have more quality.

'But He is a player that wants to progress and I think he has not finished here. He has a lot of chance to progress and get a lot of recognition because he is a fantastic boy and a fantastic player.'

'He is someone, in my opinion, that can achieve higher levels in his career,'

'So I am very happy he extended his contract with Swansea and has shown his commitment to the club as he is someone who can help us to progress and achieve success for Swansea.'

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