Sunderland make formal bid for Ashley Williams

Sunderland have made a formal offer to sign Swansea City skipper Ashley Williams.

It was reported earlier that the Swans manager Garry Monk had revealed of the club's efforts to tie up the talented Welsh international to a long-term deal.

However, Sky Sports have now claimed that Sunderland have launched a bid for the player's services, as they aim to shore up the defensive department which conceded 60 goals last term.

Williams joined the Welsh club from Stockport County in the summer of 2008.