Liverpool recall defender Rhys Williams from his Swansea City loan spell and will assess a new move

Liverpool defender Rhys Williams has been recalled from a loan at Swansea City and will assess a new move next week.

Williams, 20, emerged from the Reds' academy to make 19 senior appearances last term and was hoping to play regular first-team football after joining Swansea until the end of the campaign.

But the defender has struggled since joining Swansea on deadline day in August, making just seven appearances for the Championship side across all competitions.

His last league appearance under Swans boss Russell Martin came against Middlesbrough on December 4.

'Gutted it didn't go to plan but it's been a pleasure to be a swan for the time I was given,' Williams said on social media.

The 20-year-old played 19 times for Liverpool in the previous season, after their defensive resources were depleted by injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, with stand-ins Fabinho and Jordan Henderson also sidelined.

Williams's return could pave the way for Nat Phillips's Anfield exit with the 24-year-old attracting interest from a host of clubs.

Watford are understood to have already seen a loan offer for Phillips which included an obligation to make the move permanent this summer rejected by Liverpool.

The Reds still expect to sell Nat Phillips who is valued at £15million and Burnley and West Ham have been linked to the centre back.