Last Updated: Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:54
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is reportedly lining up a £5million move for highly-rated Swansea defender Ashley Williams.
Pardew is keen to bolster his defence during January's transfer window after losing centre back Steven Taylor for the season with an Achilles injury and is said to have made Williams his number one target.
The Wales international has won a growing list of admirers this season for his displays at the heart of Swansea's defence and has helped Brendan Rodgers' side keep nine clean sheets in the Premier League - second only to Manchester United.
Rodgers recently placed an £8million price tag on Williams in an attempt to scare off interested teams but it looks increasingly likely they have a battle to keep hold of the defender this month, with Newcastle reportedly ready to offer him a big increase on his present £15,000 a week salary.
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