“As you can imagine, we talk about the team all the time. We’ve talked before and we’ve all seen his level of performance,” Williams said.

“We have a little break in the schedule (for the current international break), so potentially it’s a good time because it can distract the players.

“We’ve calmed down a little more, so this might be a good time for us to talk some more.”

Swansea, who have lost players such as Ryan Manning and Joel Latibeaudiere after their contracts were allowed to expire in recent seasons, are trying to persuade Harry Darling and Ben Cabango to sign new deals before their current deals expire next summer.

Williams said he “absolutely did not” want Swansea to face “such a scenario” with Key, so he was keen to hold contract talks now rather than going further.

“He’s an exciting player,” Williams added. “He was supposed to play right-back but I don’t think anyone told Josh that.

“He seems to me to be enjoying his football but he’s concentrating; he’s not playing with a free spirit, focused on the game.

“But he’s confident in his ability. I think he’s a very high performer and a very exciting player to watch.”