Liverpool have suffered a blow in their approach to sign Swansea City defender Ashley Williams in the summer, according to Goal.com. The Welsh international was linked with a move to Anfield as a replacement for veteran Jamie Carragher, who will retire from professional football at the end of the season.

Ashley Williams (R)
Reuters

The report claims Brendan Rodgers was very keen on bringing his former player to Merseyside. However, the Liverpool manager and the Reds' transfer committee have differing views on making an approach for Williams' services in the summer. The latter believe the £12m price tag is too expensive, which is the roadblock in bringing the player to Anfield.

Williams, 28, recently extended his contract, which will keep him at the Liberty Stadium till 2015. Swansea manager Michael Laudrup had earlier admitted that the Welsh club could lose their skipper in the summer.

The same report also indicates that should there be any experienced player be made available for a reasonable price in the summer, the Reds could possibly make an approach for the player's services. Should the Reds back out in their race to sign Williams, it will be a major boost for Arsenal. The Gunners are keen on signing the defender in the summer, given speculation linking Laurent Koscielny to Bayern Munich.

Liverpool could now set their eyes on signing Douglas Franco Teixeira as Carragher's replacement as the Brazilian defender is available for free at the end of the season.

Collymore Wanted Suarez to Win Awards

Luis Suarez
Reuters

Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore believes Luis Suarez deserved to win the end of season awards. The Uruguayan has been in brilliant form for the Reds scoring 23 goals in 33 league appearances. Unfortunately for Liverpool fans and Collymore, Tottenham star Gareth Bale won all three - PFA Young Player of the Year. PFA Player of the Year and the Football Writer's Association's accolade.

"It is time to define exactly what makes someone footballer of the year. Because while I congratulate Gareth Bale for the spectacular moments that have helped him land a hat-trick of prizes from fellow players and football writers, he has not been the best, most consistent player this term. Luis Suarez has," Collymore told Liverpool's official Web site.