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ASHLEY WILLIAMS has been backed by Ian Rush as the answer to Liverpool FC’s defensive dilemma this summer.

With Jamie Carragher planning to retire at the end of the season, Reds manager Brendan Rodgers is drawing up a list of potential replacements.

The ECHO understands that Swansea City captain Williams – a player Rodgers managed at the Liberty Stadium – is on his wishlist with other alternatives also being monitored.

Williams signed a new contract with the south Wales club in October and it is thought he would command a transfer fee of around £8m.

The 28-year-old captained Wales in their World Cup qualifier against Croatia last night and a fellow countryman says he could be ideal for the Reds.

Liverpool legend Rush believes Williams has the qualities the club will be looking for when trying to fill the void left by Carragher at the end of the campaign.

“To get in Ashley Williams would be great,” said Rush, who scored 346 times for Liverpool.

“I’ve seen him play for Wales on a number of occasions and he is organised and a good captain.

“He knows what he is doing and the link to Liverpool is natural because Brendan Rodgers managed him at Swansea.

“At the right price Swansea would let him go although that they are in Europe next season may have a bearing on his decision.

“But he would be good for Liverpool with his experience.”

Rush says it is vital players of character and experience are brought into the club,” he added.

“We need to replace not just what Jamie brings on the field but off it as well.

“Every teams needs people like Carragher.

“At Liverpool we have Jamie and Stevie G.

“At United there’s Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs and Chelsea have John Terry and Frank Lampard.”