‘Let’s get deal done’
Clement calls for compromise – and calms fears of Llorente exit
GYLFI Sigurdsson still looks likely to join Everton, but Paul Clement has insisted Fernando Llorente will not be following the Iceland international out of the Liberty Stadium this summer.
Sigurdsson’s protracted potential move to Goodison Park has dragged on throughout the summer, and Clement admitted there was no news of an agreement and spoke of the need for a “compromise” to be reached.
And the head coach insisted Swansea are well-placed to move quickly in the transfer market should the 27-year-old finally join the Toffees.
While the Sigurdsson saga has unfolded, speculation has continued to bubble away about Llorente’s future, with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte interested in being reunited with a player he previously worked with at Juventus.
But Clement was adamant the Spaniard – who will miss at least the opening game of the season after fracturing his arm – will be going nowhere after holding several discussions with the Swansea top scorer from last season.
“Fernando has got a year to go on his deal and we’d like him to stay for this year and longer,” said Clement.
“He’s a really good player and it’s a shame with the injury he got in the summer. When he’s fit, to have him, Tammy Abraham and Jordan Ayew available is a good thing for me. “He’s happy here, he likes the work we’re doing and he likes the way we play. I’m confident he will be here this season.”
Like Llorente, Sigurdsson will play no part in the Premier League opener at St Mary’s.
There had been suggestions earlier this week that Sigurdsson’s move was on the brink of collapsing, but Everton manager Ronald Koeman rejected that notion at his own press conference.
“It’s still close (a deal for Sigurdsson),” said the Dutchman. “That has not changed. I heard some rumours that talks broke down but still we are in negotiations with Swansea.”
PAUL Clement is adamant the impact of Gylfi Sigurdsson’s transfer limbo on his summer recruitment has been overplayed.
And the Swans boss claims it had not been in his plans to make many further signings until the prospect of losing last season’s player of the year reared its head.
Supporters have voiced concerns that the limited number of arrivals over the summer, together with the exits of a handful of fringe players, has left the side light as they head into a season where they will seek to avoid the struggles of recent campaigns.
Jack Cork, Modou Barrow and Jordi Amat are among those who have departed, with midfielder Roque Mesa, loan striker Tammy Abraham and reserve goalkeeper Erwin Mulder the only men brought in by Clement.
Two more new faces could yet arrive before the August 31 transfer deadline, but are only likely in the event Sigurdsson’s proposed £50m move to Everton is belatedly agreed.
It has led some to speculate that Swansea are either unable or unwilling to fund extra additions before cash for Sigurdsson is received.
Yet Clement, who had surprised some supporters with claims last term that the squad did not need major surgery, maintained that the impact of the potential departure in terms of his recruitment plans has been overstated.
Though an advanced player had been on Swansea’s agenda prior to Everton firming up their lengthy interest in Sigurdsson, the potential of serious extra cash available is thought to have seen Clement and Swansea reassess the level – and price – of players to target in that area.
And speaking ahead of Saturday’s opener at Southampton, Clement said: “It hasn’t had the effect that it probably feels like from outside. A lot of the discussions between the fans and the different parts of the media are very focused on that.
“But day-to-day here we’re focused on training, on practice games, on friendlies and the first match.
“We have the advantage of the same core group without bedding in too many new faces, and we have been clear about that from last season. The team played well and showed they are a good side, so we did not need major changes.
“We have brought in three players at this point, some players have gone, but it has been nothing too drastic. There will only be one or two other things potentially done by the end of the window, so it is not a big overhaul. We hope it gives consistency to the work we are doing.
“Some people will think we need surgery at the back because we conceded so many goals, but take away the four we let in after my first week against Arsenal and the bizarre game against Tottenham, seven goals in two games, and it would have been far more positive.
“I am confident in the defenders and the goalkeeper situation.
“Yes, we have balanced things up with outs and ins, the Gylfi situation is a crucial part of the business we could potentially do because it is going to be a high fee if he goes. The highest fee this club has ever seen so it is really important this is seen as part of what we are going to do in terms of future ins.”
Clement did confirm that he wants attacking players in before the deadline, but stressed that they would be of ‘real quality’, adding: “We are looking at the advanced positions, forward positions, but ideally players who are adaptable: players who could play on the wing, or as a number 10 or second striker. I suppose in a way, like Gylfi is able to do.
“We have to make sure that if a player of his ability leaves, we have to get one or two very good players. It is not just a matter of getting two players who sit on the bench, we want quality. They have a value, they are not cheap.
“The big thing about getting the right calculation is we can spend that money on good quality players. If he stays, we have a very good player already.”
Clement is not hiding his frustration over the fact that he has neither the money to spend nor the player to utilise at this point having confirmed Sigurdsson will not be involved at Southampton.
Describing it as a limbo, he said he could not say for sure whether there was a chance of the 27-year-old returning to the fold before the deadline should the Everton discussions continue.
Asked whether he is the only one losing out as things drag on as Swansea open the campaign without their No.10, Clement admitted: “That is a frustrating situation, I can’t say that it’s not. I’ve got a really good player but it’s been decided that it’s in the best interests of everyone that he doesn’t play in this first game. It’s not an ideal situation.
“We’re in a period of limbo with a very good player. It’s what I’ve said all along – we want to try to get a resolution to the situation, and everyone wants that.”