Swansea City closer to breakthrough over duo's contracts after big news

Luke Williams says Swansea City are moving closer to agreeing a new contract with centre-back Ben Cabango.

The Swans boss says the club are in a 'much healthier position' in regards to tying down the Wales international, who has been one of his side's stand out performers this season.

Cabango has played an integral role in a defence that has been bettered by just three teams in the Championship this season, and his form has magnified the attention around his contract situation, with the defender's current deal set to expire at the end of the campaign.

Williams has made no secret of his desire to keep the 24-year-old on board, and says the club are making good progress in their efforts to tie him down, having already sealed an extension for striker Liam Cullen.

"Ben has taken really the initiative and he’s kind of setting the parameters in a really good way," Williams said. "The message is he has to concentrate on the block of games before the international break and then the conversation will carry on.

"We’re in a much healthier position because we have dialogue between Ben, his agent and the football club in a respectful way. There is a two-way conversation and it is at a really good level."

Cabango's defensive partner Harry Darling has similarly been in impressive form this term, and is also a free agent at the end of the season.

Conversations with his camp don't appear to be quite as advanced, but Williams is similarly optimistic that a breakthrough can be found.

"It's not quite as far, but we’re approaching it in the same way," he added. "We have a date for conversations to be had and it’s all being done for the minimum impact for the player.

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"They're both two players that have never looked for one moment like they're not committed to the club, ever.

"We have to help them keep that headspace. Things are moving in the right direction and moving forward with good communication and a lot of respect from both sides, and this is the way forward."

The contract updates come on the back of news that emerged on Thursday evening that majority owners Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien have agreed to sell their stake in the club.

Chairman Andy Coleman is now set to take a substantial part of their stake, which will inevitably strengthen his power at the club.

In a statement, Coleman said: “It is critically important for Swansea City to move on from the previous owners. I want to thank Brett Cravatt, Jason Cohen, Nigel Morris and our partners for coming together to make that happen. Together we are bringing more than £20 million directly into the club. This gives us a great foundation to drive Swansea City forward.”