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Francesco Guidolin has admitted he wasn't surprised to see Ashley Williams leave the Liberty – even before Everton make their move for the Swansea City skipper.

Williams' £12m move to Everton has left Guidolin hoping the club will land one of the centre-back targets they have already identified to bolster his squad as he prepares to go into the campaign without the side's key defender of the past several years.

There are suggestions in Belgium that there has been an interest in Manchester City talent Jason Denayer, with Guidolin admitting he is satisfied with every other aspect of his squad having landed Fernando Llorente and record-breaking Borja Baston to provide a much-needed goal threat.

But the Swans boss has revealed he had been bracing himself to lose Williams from the end of last season and accepted that he could have to do without the Euro 2016 star.

(Image: Getty Images)

Guidolin knows he has lost a leader as well as a significant player, and while he looks set to count upon the long-serving Leon Britton as club captain, he has called on his remaining stars to step up to fill the void left by the influential Williams ahead of the campaign opener against Burnley on Saturday.

“I was not surprised to see him go because at the beginning of my holidays I knew there was a possibility we would start the season without him.

“Then I knew there was this offer from Everton but I decided to stay out. I spoke always with the chairman but my position was to stay out of it because I believe that when a player decides to go it’s better to let him go.

“He was an important player but I think this is his decision and when a player has the possibility to change to and to go away for a new challenge it’s correct to respect this decision and this is my thought.”

Guidolin's next thought will be who to hand the armband to, suggesting that Britton will be skipper when he is selected.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

But he says it is vital they know show they can cope without Williams' presence, adding: “We have leaders in this team. Leaders are not only captains. Players with experience sometimes, but it can be a young player with charisma and enthusiasm and important qualities.

“In this situation all of us have to show more personality and character and courage. We will miss some of these with Ash, not just the player but as a man.

“He was very important for me in beginning of my first experience here and I would like to thank him for the help. He was a real captain and I respect his decision to accept a new challenge.

"I wish him all the best. I spoke often with Alan Curtis about the fantastic Swansea history, about the club’s past, the Vetch, this fantastic adventure, and Ashley is a very important part of this history and I am sure fans will not forget him for the time he had here.

(Image: Everton FC)

“But I think we have leaders and I feel we are ready and focused on the next match. We have no Ash so there will be another centre-back but I have something and the chairman as well. We have a shortlist of a players.”

On his the club's remaining shopping plans, the Italian added: “There is money but I am happy with the group. For me, we are ready to go, we are ready to play and have a good season. We need just a central defender. For me only one more signing is needed.”