Swans bid to secure trio on new deals

SWANSEA City have opened contract negotiations with a trio of players as they look to secure the futures of some of the youngsters who have impressed for Graham Potter’s men this season.

Initial conversations have been held with academy products Connor Roberts and Joe Rodon, while talks have also been held with midfielder Jay Fulton.

Despite the disappointment of relegation, full-back Roberts has had an excellent 2018 on a personal level.

After making his first-team debut against Wolves in the FA Cup in January, he went on to make his Premier League and international bows before the end of last term.

The 22-year-old, who first joined Swansea at the age of nine, has started the new campaign on good form for club and country, scoring with a superb volley in Wales’ recent win over the Republic of Ireland.

Rodon, meanwhile, has excelled in the centre of defence alongside Mike van der Hoorn. The 20-year-old was thrust into the side following the sales of Federico Fernandez and Jordi Amat on transfer deadline day.

He has retained his place until the defeat to Stoke, despite the loan arrival of Cameron CarterVickers from Tottenham.

Rodon has again been linked with Manchester City, but Swans boss Graham Potter is hopeful that the chance to continue to develop and play regular football can see the club build for the future with the Welsh duo, who are set to be out of contract next summer.

“That’s where we’re at. The talks will be ongoing, pretty much. We’ve held initial discussions (with those two players),” said Potter.

“You want to be able to secure those guys because they’re the future of the club, essentially. They’ve come through the system.

“At the same time, they’re at the stage in their career where they probably know that they’re in a good place, they’re getting an opportunity to play and get support in their careers, so it’s one of those things we’ll do and as soon as we have news, we can let you guys know.

“We can offer them playing time, development time, feedback, help. It’s all important for guys starting their careers.”

And Potter insists he is not unduly worried by the attention the pair have been attracting for their performances.

“I see it as the opposite. You’ve got to be strong enough in what you’re trying to do here,” he added.

“There’s a hierarchy in football and you can’t be scared of that. You have to think that it’s a good problem to have.”