91�ȱ�

Wales defender Ashley Williams has signed a new three-year contract with Premier League new boys Swansea City.

Williams, who had two years left on his present contract, is the latest player to commit to the Swans.

"I appreciate the fact the club wanted to extend my future here," he said. "It was definitely something I wanted to do."

The 26-year-old had joined from Stockport in March 2008 before the deal was made .

Williams follows , , , and in signing new deals with the Swans.

He has signed as Brendan Rodgers' side prepare to face in their opening game of the season on Monday night.

"It was one of the easiest contract negotiations I have had in my career," Williams told Swansea's official website.

"Myself and the club knew what we wanted and the talks were really relaxed.

"I had two years left, but this allows me to really focus on my football here and do as much as I can for the club.

"It's great news, particularly as we are just days away from our first Premier League campaign."

Williams is a regular in the Wales side since making his debut in 2008 and on Wednesday.

During the close season reports suggested that Queens Park Rangers were keen to sign the Wolverhampton-born player.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins dismissed the reports and insisted Williams was not for sale.

Williams began his career as a youth player with West Bromwich Albion before he joined non-league Hednesford Town and switched to Stockport County in 2003.

After a loan spell with Swansea he joined the Liberty Stadium side for a reported £400,000 in June 2008.