Williams eyes new Swans deal for 'Bale-type' Key

Josh Key made 148 senior appearances for Exeter after coming through the Grecians' academy

Luke Williams wants Swansea City to open contract talks with Josh Key after comparing the right-back to a young Gareth Bale.

Key's power and energy have helped make the former Exeter City player a standout performer for Swansea this season.

Williams says the 24-year-old's performances have brought back memories of Wales legend Bale's days playing as a full-back for Tottenham Hotspur.

"He's like a Gareth Bale-type," said the Swansea head coach.

"There was a period at Tottenham where Harry Redknapp forgot to tell him he was full-back and just told him he was in the team. He interpreted that as 'I'll just do whatever I want then', in a good way I mean of course.

"It's enjoyable to see Josh Key expressing himself in the way he has been and with the level of concentration and focus for the team."

Key has featured in all 15 of Swansea's Championship games this season having played on 31 occasions in the previous campaign, when he would have been involved more often but for injury.

Swansea signed Key after his Exeter contract expired in the summer of 2023, with an undisclosed compensation fee eventually decided by tribunal in August this year.

Key signed a three-year deal with an option of a further 12 months at Swansea, yet Williams feels the Championship club should address his contract situation now.

"As you can imagine, we talk about the squad all the time. We have had conversations already and we’ve all recognised his level of performance," Williams said.

"We have a little bit of a break in the schedule [for the current international break] so potentially this is a good time, because it can be distracting for the players.

"We have a little bit more calm so it might be a good time for us to talk a bit more."

Having lost the likes of Ryan Manning and Joel Latibeaudiere in recent seasons after their contracts were allowed to run down, Swansea are in the process of trying to convince Harry Darling and Ben Cabango to sign new deals before their current agreements expire next summer.

Williams says he "certainly wouldn't want" Swansea to face "that sort of scenario" with Key, hence the desire to hold contract talks now rather than further down the line.

"He’s an exciting player," Williams added. "He’s supposed to be playing right-back but I don’t think anyone told Josh that.

"He looks to me like he’s enjoying his football but he’s concentrating - he's focused on the game, he's not out there playing like a free spirit.

"But he’s confident in his ability. I think he’s performing at a very high level and he’s a very exciting player to watch."