Swans chase Bielsa deal

SWANSEA CITY are locked in negotiations in their attempts to land former Argentina manager Marcelo Bielsa but have virtually given up on recruiting Garry Monk’s replacement in time for the clash with West Ham on Sunday. Chairman Huw Jenkins has returned from a whistle-stop trip to Rosario, Argentina, where he met the 60-year-old and opened formal discussions about a move to the Liberty Stadium. Talks over money are believed to have threatened the move in the past 24 hours, though sources at Swansea claim any potential deal is still alive. While that situation rumbles on, Swansea increasingly expect Alan Curtis to retain his caretaker role against West Ham. He was in charge for the defeat against Manchester City on Saturday and it had been strongly hoped a permanent manager would be in place for this next crucial fixture. However, there is a feeling that even if Monk’s replacement is appointed before the end of the week it is now likely that he would only watch Sunday’s game from the stands. Bielsa is the leading contender to get the job but Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli, who led his country to Copa America glory earlier this year, joins him on the shortlist. His future with Chile is uncertain and he is known to be considering a number of options. Jenkins is also believed to have sounded out Sevilla manager Unai Emery, who opted against a move to West Ham in the summer, and he has kept an eye on Graham Potter, a left-field candidate from ostersunds in Sweden. Potter is an unrealistic target for the immediate process but it is considered feasible that Jenkins is keeping close tabs on his career development. AEK Athens manager Gus Poyet is in Swansea’s thoughts for the current vacancy, having been considered at least twice before in previous years.