Bristol City defender Ashley Williams has responded to transfer speculation linking him with a switch to Vincent Kompany's Anderlecht side in January.

Williams has established himself as a mainstay at the heart of the Robins' defence since joining the club on a free transfer following his release from Everton at the end of last term, and he has been a key figure during his new side's solid start to the season.

He may have scored an own goal during City's disappointing 3-0 defeat to Luton on the weekend, but the defender has been an otherwise reliable presence during a run where the Robins have avoided defeat in five of Williams' six matches in the side.

However, Williams has only signed for the club on a short-term deal and it was reported by Football Insider earlier this month that Anderlecht are keen on a move for the Welsh international when his contract comes to an end in mid-January.

The 35-year-old has now commented on this speculation by admitting he doesn't know where his future lies, but he insisted the reported interest can only be a reflection of the impressive start he has made at Ashton Gate.

"It was an interesting read [the Anderlecht rumours], but I don't know," he told Wales Online.

"I've dealt with speculation my entire career, and I always take it as a compliment, even now at 35. If someone somewhere is writing that article or if there's truth in that article, then that means I'm doing something good and it means I've started off well at Bristol City.

"It's not something for me where I'm think about where I can go next. I'm just trying to do my best week in week out, day in day out and if those articles are there and there's interest then that's brilliant. It means I'm doing well."

Williams has now made six appearances since joining Lee Johnson's side towards the start of the campaign, during which time he has helped the Robins keep two clean sheets.

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The Verdict

Williams has certainly made a fine start to life at the club after being signed to replace the injured Tomas Kalas in the Robins' side, and he will surely want to remain at the club beyond the expiration of his initial contract.

Similarly, City must be keen to keep hold of Williams as he has proved to be a reliable replacement for Kalas, and he will clearly be an asset to the squad going forward even if his place does come under doubt when Kalas returns.

The Anderlecht interest should not be taken too seriously at this stage as it doesn't appear there is a firm offer on the table, so I don't think the Robins should have too many concerns regarding Williams possibly leaving the club anytime soon.