Grimes future unclear as Fulham and Brighton both wait

Matt Grimes was in training with the Swans this week ahead of the Blackburn game having recovered from both illness and injury which increased the speculation that the Swans captain is about to leave the club.

Fulham are reported to be leading the race for the midfielder but Brighton are also suggested to be interested with Newcastle and Southampton linked earlier in the summer with the Swans captain in the last year of his contract.

Any chance of Grimes leaving was put on hold with the uncertain future of Swans manager Steve Cooper, a future that was settled with Cooper’s departure and the appointment last weekend of Russell Martin.

There was a suggestion earlier in the week that Martin’s arrival could prompt a change in the Grimes position with the Swans captain having made it known that he likes Swansea as a club and an area which could yet see him stay at Swansea.

Speaking to the press yesterday, Martin was speaking not just on the future of Matt Grimes but also Connor Roberts who has also been the subject of transfer speculation this summer.

On Grimes, the Swans boss said “He’s a fantastic player, If it comes to a point where Matt has left it’s because the deal is right for the football club and it means we can use that to help us out in other areas.

“From what I’ve seen already from Grimesy, he has a great relationship with Matt Gill because they played together at Exeter.

“I’ve got a guy – whilst he’s here – he’s fully committed. There’s no concerns about him on any front about being distracted or not focused.

“He loves it here and he really enjoys playing for the club. Whilst he’s here we’ll work really hard with him.”

Adding to his comments he was asked about Connor Roberts and responded “I’ve not chatted to Connor so much because we’ve not had a lot of time on the grass and because he’s injured but I’m aware he’s a fantastic player. I’ve seen a lot of him.

“It’s a difficult position because for us he’s a player we like and he’s a player who would suit what we’re doing, but at the same time, when someone enters the last year of their contract, no one’s naive.

“If a club comes in with the right offer that we can then use to strengthen our squad, we have to plan not just for this season but for the season beyond.

“We’ll have to wait and see on that, but they’re both really good players, and if they’re here after the transfer window shuts, then we’ll be more than happy.”