According to the BBC, Stoke are close to completing a deal for Everton centre-back Ashley Williams, and the Welshman’s arrival should be the signal for Leeds to target the 6ft 1in Bruno Martins Indi.

What’s the story?

BBC Sport reports that Williams is set to have a medical at the bet365 stadium and will become new boss Gary Rowett’s seventh signing of the summer as he looks to build a squad that can fire the club straight back to the Premier League.

Williams made 24 league appearances for Everton last season after the arrival of Michael Keane brought more competition for the central defenders at Goodison Park.

The BBC also reports that Williams is now back to action and ready for the new season after he punctured a lung playing for Wales against Mexico earlier in the summer.

An opportunity

If the Potters do sign the 33-year-old this summer, they may look to offload a centre-back to balance the books. New Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has been linked with a number of defenders this summer and missed out on Kyle Bartley to West Brom, according to talkSPORT.

Now though, the highly regarded Argentine manager should look to Stoke’s Netherlands international Bruno Martins Indi to solve his defensive frailties at Elland Road.

The 26-year-old made just 17 league appearances last season having struggled with injury, and he could be looking for a move away with the Championship perhaps not being where he wants to be this term.

While that could be the case, it shouldn’t stop Leeds making an ambitious enquiry to bring the Dutchman, valued by Transfermarkt at just £9m, to Elland Road, perhaps with an added promise that he can go next summer if they fail to win promotion.

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