Further striker targets identified as the Swans transfer plans continue to move

The Swans will return for pre-season next week with the first tests of the conditioning and general fitness of the squad getting underway as focus turns very much to the first game of the season which takes place just six weeks from today.

That opening fixture was confirmed in midweek as being an away lunchtime clash at Middlesbrough but there is much work to be done between now and then both on and off the pitch as Luke Williams and his coaching team prepare the playing squad whilst Andy Coleman and Paul Watson try to provide the additional recruits that Williams needs.

That recruitment process could start relatively quickly with reports gathering pace that we are closing in on a deal for Eom Ji-sung with the fee suggested at being at an additional £800,000 with add-ons that could comfortable turn it into a seven figure plus fee in the future.

Two of last season’s signings – Nathan Tjoe-A-On and Jerry Yates are both set for moves away to Championship new boys Oxford and Derby respectively and that continues the stark warning of just how bad last summer’s recruitment was and serves as a reminder that the same people are in charge of ensuring that this summer is markedly better.

The challenge with Aimar Govea remains strong with Italian giants Juventus already linked as well as clubs in Germany, Spain and England with the English interest being credited to Premier League sides that are including both Arsenal and Brighton.   That tells you much about how this particular player is seen outside of SA1 but, as referenced earlier in the week, we should look to hold onto the player and develop him further before deciding to cash in.   First team football is very much on the horizon for Govea should he stay in Swnasea, that is not necessarily something that could be true about any of the linked clubs.

The Swans themselves are still keen on a loan return of last season’s player of the year in Carl Rushworth but with Ipswich in the shadows (as revealed here back in May) this continues to look a seemingly unlikely outcome.   Nothing of course in a summer window is totally impossible (well, at least those within reality) but the attentions have also been turned elsewhere for a new man between the sticks just in case Rushworth does head elsewhere.   The door most certainly has not been closed though on the keeper.   The move for a new goalkeeper continues to leave question marks over the future of Andy Fisher.   After two and a half years in Swansea, Fisher has made just 45 league starts for the club and there is definite belief in some quarters that, at the age of 26, he will want to be at a club where first team football is very much on the agenda for him.  It is not thought that this will be at the Swans and therefore do not be surprised to see him move on this summer which could even mean a move for two keepers is necessary this summer.

Up front, as reported yesterday, interest in MacAulay Langstaff it is reported may have cooled a little and the Swans are said to have a reasonably comprehensive list of alternative targets that they could move for.   None have any confirmed action (or more importantly bids at the moment) but make no mistake there have been some discussions with representatives and the likes as they set the early foundations for any future transfer moves.   What has been clear in the past six months is that the Swans are not just keeping their eyes on the English leagues but scouring as many areas of the worldwide game as they potentially can.   The arrival of Ronaldo last January made that much clear and this week’s move for Ji-sung only serves to back that up.   Speculation on who these targets are is inevitable but, as of yet, there are no more confirmed names.

Jodi Jones at Notts County remains someone who is very much of interest to the Swans but, again, there has been no direct move to secure the player who returned to pre-season with County this week.  Jones provided much of the ammunition for Langstaff’s goals for Notts and Williams believes that he can be equally effective at Championship level.   A confirmed move for him could well be dependent though on the future of Govea, the move for Ji-sung and also whether we decide that we may keep Placheta after all for the coming season.   Several moving pieces at play on this particular player before anything will become clear.

In defence it is not anticipated that there will be too many changes although Nathan Wood remains a name on the list of several clubs and he could well find himself on the way out this summer as he looks to try and further his own career.   We have alternatives already at the club in this area but the loss of him (or even Darling or Cabango) will see us move into the transfer market to strengthen with Williams and his team clear that they need to replace if one of those three were to depart.   The same goes for any departures in midfield which should never be completely discounted although at the moment it is not something that is expected to happen.

As the players do return for their pre-season expect the activity to start upping a level or two.  We have finally come through the quiet period that always succeeds a football season but everyone’s attention is now very much turned towards what is coming rather than what has gone and that means additional transfer speculation and moves will become clearer in the coming weeks and days.   Just the way that we like it.