WILL COOPER GET HIS MEN?
SWANS TRANSFER LATEST AHEAD OF FOOTBALL’S DEADLINE DAY
THERE is not much time left for Swansea City to get their transfer business done.
But, as we all know, things can change so quickly in this hectic marketplace.
Here. we take you through when the deadlines are, what they mean and the work we can expect to see from Steve Cooper and the money men at the Liberty Stadium before the window shuts for another few months.
WHEN IS TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY?
The transfer window is set to close after 10 weeks on October 5.
Though under the proposals, Premier League and EFL clubs will still be able to get deals done as part of a domestic-only window from October 5 to October 16.
That window will close on Friday, October 16, at 5pm.
WHAT IS THE DOMESTIC-ONLY WINDOW?
The two-week extension will allow clubs to do deals between the Premier League and EFL clubs, as well as between EFL clubs, but top-flight teams will not be able to swap players between each other.
It means that Swansea will be able to do business both with Premier League clubs and other clubs within the EFL structure up until 5pm on October 16.
WHAT BUSINESS CAN WE EXPECT FROM SWANSEA?
Ahead of the Championship clash with Wycombe Wanderers last weekend, Steve Cooper issued the clearest message yet that he feels his squad is desperately lacking in certain areas.
And while he wouldn’t put a figure on the number of fresh faces he feels he still needs, it’s blindingly obvious that Swansea have to bolster a few positions in the squad.
A striker remains the priority, although in an ideal world they would bring in two frontmen.
It’s understood Cooper is desperate to bring in a ready-made No. 9 as well as a back-up forward – similar to Sam Surridge last year – in the final days of the window.
However, as things stand, it appears unlikely that he will bring in two strikers, although one remains a possibility.
Rhian Brewster looks increasingly like securing a move away from Liverpool to another Premier League club, with Crystal Palace and Sheffield United the two frontrunners to sign the 20-year-old.
Charlton Athletic’s Macauley Bonne appears to be out of Swansea’s price range given that Cooper admitted in his latest press conference that the club are very much shopping in the loan and free agent markets.
At present, Brighton’s Viktor Gyokeres appears to be the most realistic option.
The Swedish forward played in the Seagulls’ Carabao Cup wins over Portsmouth and Preston, and the Swans are awaiting Graham Potter’s decision on the 22-yearold.
Meanwhile, having lost Mike van der Hoorn and Ben Wilmot in the summer, Swansea are light at centre-back. And if they are to continue to utilise three central defenders, they are in need of an additional options at the heart of their defence.
Interest in Derrick Williams remains, although, as with other targets, it appears unlikely that a swoop for the Republic of Ireland international will happen given that Blackburn will demand a seven-figure fee for the defender.
As for outgoings, Cooper has said Swansea can’t afford to lose any of their key players in the final stages of the summer window given their lack of squad depth.
A host of players including Andre Ayew, Joe Rodon and Matt Grimes have been linked with moves away from the Liberty Stadium, but the Swans are yet to receive any concrete offers for their prized assets.
Manchester United have already ruled out a move for Rodon, though West Ham are thought to be interested.
Declan John has also been told he can leave the club, and while the likes of Kyle Naughton and Connor Roberts have operated on the left over the course of the last two campaigns, it’s another position Cooper is concerned about.
WHAT IS THE LATEST ON TRANSFERS FROM STEVE COOPER?
This is the most recent thing Swansea’s head coach had to say on transfers and discussions with the board after the game against Wycombe.
He said: “I’ve talked about what we’d like to do ourselves in terms of players coming in, but also I don’t want to lose any players as well. I don’t think we can with the numbers that we’ve got.
“I think you can see a hungry set of lads there. Nobody’s playing like they don’t want to be here. Hopefully that’s the case.
“If we end up doing nothing in terms of ins, then I’ll get on with it because I really believe in this set of players.
“The only thing I’ve made clear is that, if we’re very serious about what we want to do, then, for me, some things need to happen. Whether they do or don’t, we’ll see.
“But the first day after the transfer window ends will be the same as any other day, and that’s working with the players who are ready to train and getting them ready for the next game.”
Cooper had previously said: “We do need a clear, experienced No. 9, that’s plain and obvious for everyone to see, especially when you look at some of the other teams we’ve come up against that carry three or four experienced strikers.
“If you look at the teams that have bought them and have paid a few million pounds, they do have that luxury which we don’t have. It’s definitely an area that needs addressing, and I’ve made that very clear.”