Rob Davies
Russell Martin has confirmed that Ryan Manning has rejected his latest contract offer which the Swans boss says is a “very good deal” for the left back.
With just six months remaining on the former QPR man’s contract, it looks increasingly likely that he will depart for pastures new all the more considering his form since arriving in 2020.
Joel Latibeaudiere hasn’t quite rejected the latest offer from the club but is yet to agree the deal offered to him although I would imagine the suitors for him will be less than those for Manning.
His age is definitely on his side although you could say Martin has hampered his development by playing him largely in an unfamiliar right back role for much of the season.
Both players would be a loss to the Swans boss and may provide further headaches for a January window where there are already urgent needs to be addressed.
Defensively a right wing back needs signing – possibly a left depending if Manning goes and Ogbeta remains in the wilderness – along with an attacking midfielder and a striker.
Chiedozie Ogbene was linked again yesterday as reported here and he would be a versatile addition to the squad but as ever time will tell.
On the contract situations Martin said yesterday: ”
The feedback is at this minute, Ryan’s agent is saying it’s unlikely we are going to sign the current deal he’s been offered and I’m not convinced we as a club can go any further,” Martin said on Manning’s situation.
“I think it’s a really good deal. It’s a good deal for us. We have three games and then the window will open, so there will be another discussion with Josh and Julian I am sure at some point about how we deal with that.
“But in the meantime I have got no worries about how Ryan is going to give everything. I thought he was excellent in the last half hour on Saturday [at Coventry], two huge goal contributions.
“Speaking to Josh and Julian this week (on Latibeaudiere) it’s probably a similar situation. We’ve offered probably our last offer in terms of where we are as a club.
“At this minute in time Lats wants to take his time. It’s not the same as Ryan as in that it’s been turned down, but he is taking a bit longer to consider it and weigh up his options. We’ll have a bit more clarity after Christmas and we’ll go from there.”
