news is that boro cut the swansea deal down because they didn't offer enough, leaving the door open for celtic to get him on the cheap because there is no other competition for him now.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/celtic-lead-race-sign-middlesbrough-3053035

There's a bit of talk on one of the Swansea forums that he may have failed a medical. Hard to tell if there is any credibility to the story. Even if there isn't any truth to it should be a factor that everyone should remember before declaring Williams will be changing clubs considering his injury record.

I know you're trying to prove your point but that seems a bit unsporting.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

There's a bit of talk on one of the Swansea forums that he may have failed a medical. Hard to tell if there is any credibility to the story. Even if there isn't any truth to it should be a factor that everyone should remember before declaring Williams will be changing clubs considering his injury record.

:lol: everyone will be pleased to hear that Celtic also reportedly sniffing around.



http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/swansea-city-look-sign-middlesbrough-6527562?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Edited by Ronald McDonald: 20/1/2014 09:49:26 AM

He can operate both in defence and in midfield and while Laudrup would not comment on the proposed move last night, it is thought Swansea were keen to press ahead after initial interest was thought to be rebuffed and Scottish giants Celtic monitored the situation.

Australian Football ‏@AustFootball 6m

Rhys Williams secures an EPL move to Swansea. Great move in an World Cup year!

Swansea are reportedly showing strong interest.

Transfer window: Middlesbrough's Rhys Williams close to Swansea move

Swansea City are close to agreeing a deal to sign Middlesbrough's Australian international Rhys Williams.
Manager Michael Laudrup has only two fit senior midfielders with Jonathan de Guzman, Jose Canas, Pablo Hernandez, Nathan Dyer and Michu all out injured.
Williams, a former Boro captain, can play in defence or as a midfielder.
The 25-year-old represented Wales Under-21s 10 times before opting to play for Australia - the country of his birth - at senior level.
Laudrup said on Friday that the injuries to de Guzman and Canas had put pressure on his team.
"Things changed dramatically when we lost Jonathan de Guzman and Jose Canas in the space of a few days," he said.
"The injury to Canas will probably keep him out for about four weeks, and suddenly we only had two (fit) midfield players.
"Then I looked into the possibility of bringing Ki [Ki Sung-Yeung] back, but the loan agreement [with Sunderland] said it should have been done by the end of December, so it's not a possibility.
"The only way we can change that is if Ki and both clubs all agree to end the loan - but of course Sunderland are not going to do that."
The Swans are on a run of no wins in seven Premier League matches and have lost four more games than at this stage of last season.

Going to the continent worked for Luke Wilkshire - a pretty average player going nowhere in the lower leagues, went to Russia and made a pretty good career for himself.

He's more injury prone than Dean Ashton and he's been dropped recently for poor form. He's a liability at the back according to some Borough fans. I'm pretty sure he's only going down from here if he moves.

Rumours persist that Boro are prepared to sell him, with Burnley nominated as one possible destination:


Middlesbrough’s Rhys Williams, who had a spell on loan at Turf Moor five years ago, has been linked with a switch, and while the versatile Australian is thought to be available, I understand it would take in excess of £1m to prise him away from the Riverside.

http://www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk/sport/burnley-fc/latest-news/burnley-boss-praises-striker-barnes-1-6378140

Edited by dr. bellows: 18/1/2014 03:44:39 AM

He won't go to the continent. The boys who come through in the UK like to stay in the UK, that's just. The culture of the place.
Rhys has not impressed this year and has been dropped for form, he's had 7 injury plagued seasons in a row, Lets just think about that for a moment...

He's not going up from here. He should move to a smaller club and start over.

His club hasn't been as impressed with him this year. Part of the reason they took the captaincy off him. He has had a good relationship with the club for awhile and they have worked hard to keep him, regardless of his injuries. He missed the last WC because he played too much while he was injured. Last couple of years I could see him going to EPL clubs. This year I'm not as sure. And I can't see him going down to league 1 just to get game time. I cant see much point in him going to another Championship club. A european move would be interesting.

That's not possible EG, not with his age-range and peak ahead with next contract. He can't possibly drop to League One or the like - less it's to the A-League or more likely K-League, J-League or the like, not unlike Ryan McGowan? But he would surely have plenty of suitors at the level he's at and perhaps above (EPL). He WAS linked to other EPL clubs in the past too (Less that was Jedinak, who was linked to Bolton when Freedman took the reigns there?)?

He seems to the kind of player though, given he's represented Wales in his younger days etc... He seems less likely than 'the norm' for Aussie Abroad talent, in terms of Continental Europe being an option? I hope I'm wrong, as Eredivisie or the like, with the relatively less physical strain, could be a good match for his ilk? But I guess you need the offers/options in order to go that road. Hopefully his agent is good and exploring ALL options, canvassing well?

Edited by GloryPerth: 12/1/2014 12:15:59 AM

He's more injury prone than Dean Ashton and he's been dropped recently for poor form. He's a liability at the back according to some Borough fans. I'm pretty sure he's only going down from here if he moves.

why not, he'd be a cheap purchase with potential to cover anywhere in the back 1/3. he needs to get consistent.

He's not EPL bound.

He's not EPL bound.