GILLINGHAM full-back Tom Williams will sign for League 1 leaders Swansea City when the transfer window opens on January 1.

Former manager Neale Cooper brought the 25-year-old to Priestfield from Barnsley on a two-year deal in the summer and he has made 18 appearances for the Gills this term after missing the first part of the season with an ankle injury.

Gills chairman Paul Scally confirmed the deal on the club's official website but insisted Williams was still very much a Gillingham player until January 1.

He said: "He is a Gillingham player, part of the first team squad and will be available for selection over the Christmas period."

Williams had spells with West Ham and Peterborough before Birmingham paid £350,000 to bring him to St Andrews in 2002.

Swansea chairman Huw Leith told the club's official website: "We are delighted to finally clinch the deal to bring Tom to the Liberty Stadium. He is highly rated in football circles - hence the fact that Birmingham paid £350,000 for him a few years ago."

Swansea were in the market for a left-back following the six-month suspension handed out to Ijah Anderson after he tested positive for cocaine.

* FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM PRIESTFIELD SEE THIS WEEK'S KENT MESSENGER AND MEDWAY MESSENGER.