NO-ONE’S GOING ON THE CHEAP
RUSSELL Martin insists no player will be allowed to leave Swansea City on the cheap this summer.
Several Swans, including Joel Piroe and Flynn Downes, are expected to attract transfer interest during the close season following their efforts this term.
Piroe has already been linked with Leicester City, while Leeds United have been credited with showing an interest in midfielder Downes.
Now in their fourth consecutive season in the Championship, Swansea are no longer receiving Premier League parachute payments, while their revenue took a major hit as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
It means the club are required to sell key assets, as has been the case with the likes of Joe Rodon, Oli Mcburnie and Daniel James in recent seasons, to remain financially stable.
“I think the owners trust me and Mark [Allen] and the judgement of Julian [Winter] on what a player is worth, for sure,” said Martin. I don’t think anyone will be leaving on the cheap. It’s not going to be a case of ‘if there’s some money coming in, it’s a good profit’.”
And on Piroe specifically, the head coach said: “They [owners] understand how important he is to us. They understand a few of the guys, how important they are.
“No-one is going to be forced or rushed into anything. We’ve had no offers for him and no conversations about him.
“All I know is that we’ll make sure, if anyone ever leaves the building, that it’s worthwhile for us and it means we can go and find the next one.”
Piroe is contracted to Swansea until the summer of 2024 while Downes is tied to the club until 2025.