Stoke City have reportedly opened talks with Everton with regards to a possible season-long loan deal for centre-back Ashley Williams, according to the BBC

Williams racked up 138 appearances in the second tier during his eight seasons with Swansea City and it now looks a return to the Championship could be on the cards.

The 33-year-old moved to Everton two seasons ago but has failed to have the desired impact at Goodison Park making 24 appearances and falling out of favour at the end of last season.

Gary Rowett has already tried and failed to bring Williams' Wales centre-back partner James Chester to the Bet365 Stadium from Aston Villa this summer. 

The Swansea legend would become Rowett's sixth signing of the summer after the arrivals of James McLean, Tom Ince, Adam Federici, Benik Afobe and Oghenekaro Etebo.

Since Swansea's promotion to the Premier League in 2012, Williams racked up 241 appearances in the top flight, scoring six goals.

The verdict 

This would be a great, short-term signing for Rowett and would round off their summer nicely.

Williams has probably ran out of steam as far as Premier League football is concerned but he would still be a monster in the second tier.

It probably is not a totally necessary signing, but if they are able to bring him in they definitely should.