Brendan Rodgers has not given up hope on Darren Pratley and Ashley Williams remaining at the Liberty Stadium

Both Swansea City players have been linked with a move away from the club this season but Rodgers believes that both could - and probably should - stay at the club for at least one more season.

He told the Evening Post "I have had a couple of really good chats with Darren

"He is in the last year of his contract, but he is more than happy to be here.

"I think everyone understands that if a player has the chance to move to the Premier League, they want to go because it's the biggest league in the world. But if you're not going to make a move like that, there's nowhere better to be than here.

"I think Darren understands that. He respects where I am coming from and I think he has got a new lease of life. He is enjoying the work we're doing.

"He is certainly not rushing to get out and I'm very confident we can do something to keep him here

"I respect Forest as a big club and a very good team

"But I look at it in relation to where Darren is now.

"He is at Swansea as one of the best midfield players in the Championship.

"If he leaves and goes to another Championship club, he has to go and prove that again somewhere else.

"Why make that move? Stay here at a club you love, in a city you love, with supporters who love you and a manager who loves you.

"If you are going to move, move to the Premier League — but with Swansea.

"He is an outstanding talent, although I think he can still improve

"He got seven goals last season, but we want him to develop and score more.

"He is a big player for the team because he gives us good balance, which is vital.

"When you play three in midfield you need one of them to be able to penetrate, and Darren gives you penetration.

"When you have got a player like that, you don't want to lose him."

Rodgers re-iterated similar words when asked about Williams and added "His rise in the last couple of years has been super

"We have got some of the best players in the Championship here, so of course there are going to be links with Premier League clubs.

"I have spoken to Ashley and told him he has the ability to play at that level.

"He is strong and he is quick, but what stands him out from other British centre-halves is that he plays football and understands the game. Having worked at a higher level, I know the big clubs are looking for defenders who can also play.

"But he is in no rush. He is 26 and probably still has 10 years' football in him.

"He is still learning the game and he is happy here."

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