Clarets in talks over Mawson deal
Yet many Championship writers have Swansea down as one of the frontrunners for promotion.
The bookmakers – fairly knowledgeable folk – have Potter’s side as seventh favourites for the league.
But until we see them with a fullyformed squad (or at least a squad post-deadline) and a few competitive games under their belts they will remain enigmas.
It is going to take time, it is going to require patience.
The next fortnight will be interesting as clubs scurry round for lastminute signings akin to a singleton in the reduced items isle in Tesco.
The squad looks short in areas – worryingly so in positions such as left-back – there is no doubt there is work to be done.
Until the ins and outs are signed, sealed and delivered, Swansea will remain a riddle and it is going to take a while for a clear picture to emerge as new faces settle and Potter’s methods and desire for an attractive, attacking style of play bed down.
On the latter point there have been some encouraging passages of play during this pre-season campaign.
But whether that Swansea City riddle is concerning or exciting to you is down to the individual. > Swans were interested in Harry Wilson but he joined Derby >
BURNLEY and Swansea City remain locked in talks over a deal to take Alfie Mawson to Turf Moor before the transfer window closes.
Mawson is still recovering from the knee surgery he had following the end of last season, with Swans boss Graham Potter recently revealing the player would miss the start of the season.
But that has not had any impact on the level of interest in the 24-yearold, who made a considerable impression in the Premier League following his move from Barnsley in August 2016.
West Ham had been the first to make a move for him this summer, having previously attempted to sign the England Under-21 international in January, but saw their offer rebuffed.
Burnley – who began their Europa League campaign against Aberdeen last night – had made their interest known and although there was no agreement reached over a fee for Mawson, discussions are continuing.
Mawson has told Swansea of his desire to keep playing in the Premier League and the club have long expected that he would move on during the summer transfer window.
It is understood Burnley are not the only suitors for Mawson, with West Ham still in the frame despite a busy summer of business under new boss Manuel Pellegrini, including the acquisition of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski from Swansea.
Swansea would ideally like to receive a fee of £20 million or over for Mawson, with Barnsley set to get a percentage of any deal as part of the terms of the player’s move to South Wales.
Mawson was an ever-present for Swansea in the Premier League last season, scoring two goals, as they were relegated from the top flight, but his form was good enough to earn a call-up to the full England squad in March.
He has also previously attracted interest from Tottenham, Southampton and Everton, while Fulham are at short odds with some bookmakers to secure his services.
Burnley have also shown interest in Sam Clucas, who they tried to sign before the midfielder made his bigmoney move to the Liberty Stadium just over a year ago.
But it is understood that it is talks over Mawson that are currently being pursued the most vigorously ahead of the August 9 transfer deadline.