Liverpool, Arsenal and United Given Boost in Defender Chase

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have been given a boost in their pursuit of Swansea City defender Ashley Williams, after Michael Laudrup hinted at the possibility of losing his captain in the summer. The Welsh international has been impressive this season and played a key role in winning the Capital One Cup for the Swans.

The 28-year-old central defender has been linked with both the Emirates and Anfield, while the Mirror believes United see him as the perfect replacement for the aging pair of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Williams has been valued at between £8m and £10m, depending on reports.

"We will have to live with these stories - it's part of the game - but it means people have seen what we have done here. When there are rumours about these clubs wanting someone from here, it is because the player has done well. What can I do? I can't call Arsenal and say, 'Is it true?' I don't think Arsene Wenger would answer," the Mirror quoted Laudrup as saying.

The former Danish international has himself been linked with a move away from the Liberty Stadium after the Telegraph reported former club Real Madrid were considering him to replace Jose Mourinho.

"Ashley has had a great season. He and Chico [Flores] have been a great pair. They are doing great together and I will be unhappy to lose that pairing for next season," the former midfielder added.

Swansea Midfielder Delighted with European Competition

Meanwhile, Swansea midfielder Pablo Hernandez is delighted he will be a part of the UEFA Europa League next season. The Welsh club qualified for next season's competition after winning the Capital One Cup in February.

"It's great for everyone at the club that we are playing in Europe next season. European football has so many benefits - for the club, the players, the staff and, of course, the supporters. I think it is also a proud moment for the club to be a part of the Europa League. We won the club's first big trophy and now we are in the top half of the Premier League, so to go into Europe next season is very pleasing for us. We will learn a lot from it," Hernandez told the club Web site.