Derrick Williams is close to swapping Blackburn Rovers for LA Galaxy. 

The Republic of Ireland defender is out of contract at the Championship club in the summer, and has seen his season ravaged by injury.

Williams last featured for Blackburn in the December 12 defeat to Norwich City, and underwent surgery at the turn of the year to correct a niggling calf issue. The 28-year old has only managed 11 games in all competitions this season.

His injury has also ruled Williams out of Ireland's opening two World Cup qualifiers with Serbia and Luxembourg.

He joined Rovers from Bristol City in 2016, and was named the club's player of the season after just his first campaign at Ewood Park.

Williams has recently attracted the interest of both LA Galaxy and fellow MLS side DC United in recent weeks. The Lancashire Telegraph report that Swansea had also come sniffing in the summer.

It's understood Williams is already isolating in Los Angeles before signing a deal with the club for whom Robbie Keane scored 83 goals in 125 appearances.

His American father could mean that he avoids taking up one of the Galaxy's precious overseas spots.

The new MLS season is due to get underway on April 17. LA Galaxy pre-season training is already underway. They're already home to former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

Williams made his Ireland debut under Martin O'Neill in 2018 in a friendly defeat to France. He's subsequently won two more caps, but was ruled out of last year's UEFA Nations League games with Wales and Finland due to coronavirus reasons.

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