£6m Woods is man in the middle for Swans?
> SWANSEA City are in talks with Brentford over a move for midfielder Ryan Woods ahead of this weekend’s Championship opener with Sheffield United.
The Post understands talks between the two clubs have been ongoing for a number of weeks but no fee has been agreed over the £6 million-rated target, although time is very much of the essence for both sides with the Bees needing to find a replacement should Woods move on.
The 24-year-old is seen as an ideal candidate to help new manager Graham Potter implement the sort of possession-based attacking game he has in mind, with Brentford renowned for their attractive style of play under Dean Smith.
However, Swansea are facing competition from a number of sides for his signature, and Woods has been linked with West Brom and Leeds, among others, so far during this transfer window.
Woods was named the West London club’s player of the year last season after helping them launch another challenge for a Championship play-off berth.
Woods has made over 120 appearances since joining from Shrewsbury – where he was dubbed ‘the Ginger Pirlo’ – in 2015, has two years remaining on his contract at Griffin Park.
Swansea are short of central midfield options with only Jay Fulton and Tom Carroll fit and in contention to face the Blades.
Roque Mesa, Leon Britton, Ki Sung-Yueng, Renato Sanches, Andy King and Adam King have all departed the Swans’ midfield area since the end of last term.
Another man set to depart is Alfie Mawson, who is expected to complete his move from Fulham shortly after undergoing a medical with the newly-promoted Cottagers.