Swansea 'can't blame' Darling for assessing options - Williams

Luke Williams says Swansea City cannot blame Harry Darling for assessing potential options at other clubs as uncertainty over the defender's long-term future goes on.

Swansea had hoped to persuade Darling to follow Ben Cabango's lead by signing a new long-term contract.

But Williams has acknowledged that Swansea may now have to wait until the summer – when Darling's current deal expires – to see whether he opts to sign the new deal on the table at Swansea.

"I think that's a scenario that could play out, yes," the Swansea head coach said.

Williams says Swansea are paying the price for failing to extend Darling's contract earlier, given the success the centre-back has had since joining from MK Dons on a three-year deal in 2022.

"Like I have said a couple of times before, to clarify, things were left for a long time so Harry and his agent took the responsibility to make sure they protect him and have options going forward," Williams added.

"So this is more a missed opportunity from us early on... we probably wouldn't have got to this point and Harry would have been secured already under a new long-term contract, but that wasn't the case.

"We can't blame Harry for that. He's done everything in a sensible way to protect himself and now we're playing catch-up."

Swansea have made what is thought likely to be their best offer to Darling, who has started every league game this season.

Williams revealed earlier this week that contract negotiations were being "put to bed".

Ahead of Saturday's home game against West Bromwich Albion (12:30 GMT), Williams says he is now trying to "leave Harry alone" and "not add to the pressure" surrounding his contract situation.

"I don't know exactly where he is but he's playing great on the pitch and there's no question about his commitment," he added.

"I hope we do enough together that he wants to remain here."