Planet Swans ArchivesThe news that the Wales captain is closing in on a new deal comes at the end of a week where he has been linked with a move to the Premier League with figures of £5m+ being banded about in some quarters.
But with Ash set to captain the Swans in the absence of Garry Monk and Alan Tate on Saturday, Rodgers confirmed that talks were close to agreeing a new deal at the club.
“The speculation doesn’t concern me because Ash is very close to agreeing a new deal,” he told the Evening Post “There’s no doubt for me that he is a Premier League centre-half.
“I have watched players from this level stepping up — I had one of them at Watford in Mike Williamson, and Roger Johnson is another one who made the move.
“I don’t just think Ash can play in the Premier League, I think he can play high up it.
“He can defend — he is quick, strong and good in the air — but the thing that sets him apart is that he can also play football.
“You need to be able to play at the big clubs, and Ash has that ability.
“There’s no question he will get there, but we hope he will get to the Premier League with Swansea.
“If it doesn’t happen then as a manager and a club, we respect that there’s always a possibility players will move on.
“But at this moment, Ash is happy with us.”
