CHIE’S THE MAN
BUT SWANS BOSS FACES A BATTLE IN WINGER PURSUIT
SWANSEA City have shown an interest in Rotherham United’s Chiedozie Ogbene – but they face a tough battle if they are to land him this summer.
Sources have claimed that Swansea boss Russell Martin is an admirer of the winger, who can also play as a rightback and is out of contract with the Millers this summer.
The Nigerian-born forward was an ever-present member of Paul Warne’s first-team plans last term, netting three goals and earning 11 assists in 53 games.
Ogbene also has three caps for the Republic of Ireland, having made his debut last June, and his talents are likely to attract a number of suitors.
Swansea are likely to be on the lookout for further options out wide in the summer window, and the Evening Post has been told that Martin is keen to bring him to South Wales.
However, it’s understood Rotherham are highly likely to trigger an option for another year, which may prove a big stumbling block.
Martin is unlikely to have much in the way of a transfer kitty to play with, and the Millers triggering the option for another year means Swansea would most likely require a fee to land the 25-year-old, which could rule them out of the running.
Meanwhile, Swansea defender Joel Latibeaudiere is poised for a call-up to the Jamaica squad this summer.
The former Manchester City starlet was a member of the England side who claimed the under-17s World Cup in 2017 under Steve Cooper. He later brought the defender to Swansea in October 2020.
Latibeaudiere has enjoyed a rich seam of form under Cooper’s successor Martin, showing his versatility in a number of positions.
The 22-year-old played in the same young Three Lions side as Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden, but he could now switch allegiance, having seemingly caught the eye of Jamaica boss Paul Hall.
The Reggae Boyz have home and away ties with Suriname in the CONCACAF Nations League this summer, before taking on Uruguay in a friendly.
They end their summer schedule with a Nations League clash with Mexico.