Phil SumblerMatt Grimes has already been linked with Newcastle United and Southampton this summer and now, if reports are to be believed, he is also a target for our Championship rivals in Bournemouth and Fulham both of whom are said to be pursuing the captain.
Earlier this summer it was reported that Grimes was a target for the Premier League duo but reports yesterday added two more names to the pursuit with at least one media source claiming that it was the contract position of the Swans skipper that interested them with reports of him being on the last year of his contract.
That being the case clubs are being placed on alert that the player could be available at less than his market value with the Swans not being willing to risk losing him for a free transfer in 12 months time.
Losing Grimes for the Swans would clearly be a blow although the recent capture of Liam Walsh could be seen as the natural replacement to Grimes. Losing him though to a Championship rival would be a real kick in the teeth for the Swans and certainly give some level of boost to two of the sides we would see as promotion candidates in the new season.
It is still reported that the Swans have had no firm interest (or bids) for their captain but we should also remember that the transfer window is young.
I just can’t see the point of any of our players moving “sideways”?! We must still be realistically in a good place for promotion on the back of the last two seasons, as good a place as Bournemouth and Fulham are. Why gamble? As a player and captain, the very least he should be aiming for would be the top league. I’m hopeful this will be the case and Grimey stays for at least this season.. if we don’t gain promotion.