Phil SumblerAs Jay Fulton looks certain to move to Nottingham Forest early in the January transfer window to link up with former manager Steve Cooper, the question asked by Swans fans is do we need a replacement.
Fulton has not appeared for the Swans since a substitute appearance at the end of September against Huddersfield and has not started a league game since the end of August in a defeat at Preston. Always a regular under Steve Cooper many fans have questioned the absence of Fulton in the side and an exit from the Swansea.com stadium in January is a given and not one of the best kept transfer secrets ever.
His destination almost certainly will be the City Ground and a reunion with Steve Cooper although rumours of other potential interested clubs are starting to circulate which could strengthen the Swans hand in terms of transfer fees.
So as we prepare for the exit the questions start to get asked as to whether we need a replacement for the midfielder who has more than 150 Swansea appearances to his name. The simple answer probably appears to be no. Russell Martin has clearly stated his position with his team selections that Grimes, Smith, Ntcham and Downes are his preferences to rotate between in midfield and of course there is also Liam Walsh in the background as well although his appearances have similarly been very restricted this season.
The links with James McAtee are an obvious replacement – and huge upgrade – for Fulton but yesterday’s reports are suggesting that he will stay at Manchester City and the Swans we know are one of a dozen clubs who have been in touch over his potential availability. A loan move there would almost certainly see him become a first team regular pushing Walsh further away from the first team.
However, you would say that the fee that we would receive for Fulton could be best spent on other areas of the squad. Wing back cover – particularly for Ethan Laird – would be a move seen as essential and given the apparent issues that sit with both Michael Obafemi and Morgan Whittaker then cover for Paterson and Piroe up front is also essential. Add to that we aren’t blessed with a wide range of quality cover at the back and it all leads to Fulton’s exit leading to reinforcements elsewhere which feels right.
One thing though is for certain in that it seems Jay Fulton has kicked his last ball in anger (or otherwise for the Swans) as Russell Martin continues his January transfer planning.
