Luke Williams says Swansea City are having to “build bridges” as they attempt to convince Ben Cabango and Harry Darling to sign new contracts.
Wales international Cabango, 24, and Darling, 25, have been two of Swansea’s star performers this season.
But as it stands, the two centre-backs will both be free agents come next summer.
Williams says recent progress has been made regarding both players – though Swansea are only now trying to get talks under way.
“There has been [progress] for sure,” said the Swansea head coach.
“I can’t tell you more than that, other than there has been significant contact since we last spoke to attempt to get the ball rolling.”
Darling said last month that “no talks” had taken place with Swansea over his contract situation, with Williams responding at the time by stressing the need for “urgency” on the club’s part.
Player contracts were part of the remit of sporting director Paul Watson, who left Swansea earlier this month for unspecified reasons after just 16 months in post.
Speaking on the current position with Cabango and Darling, Williams added: “I will be honest I think that because it went so long, there are some bridges to be built to engage with them again, with their agents.”
Cabango has made 196 senior appearances for Swansea since coming through the club’s academy, while Darling has played 85 times for the Welsh club since Russell Martin signed him from MK Dons in 2022.
The duo have started every Swansea league game this season, with Williams’ team conceding only eight Championship goals so far.
Williams says the contribution made by Cabango and Darling proves why Swansea must look to keep them for the long term.
“Imagine when you are a head coach and you have got these two monsters on the pitch,” Williams said.
“They can tackle, run, head, they can build up, they are threats from attacking set-pieces, so you really want those guys.”