Sky Sports report that Swansea have interest in Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates
The 24-year-old has just one year left on his current deal at The Riverside, and Boro could be forced to sell if a new contract cannot be agreed.
Bates has battled back from four cruciate knee operations and is now a lynch-pin of Tony Mowbray’s side.
But the Premier League new-boys – who have already raided Teesside to recruit Leroy Lita this summer – are now keen on former England youth star Bates.
The classy central-defender, who can also play full-back or in midfield, could now be offered the chance to leave his hometown club – although Boro are likely to try and tie him down to a new deal.