Ntcham ok for Hull after absence as a precaution
RUSSELL Martin has confirmed that Olivier Ntcham will be available for Swansea’s Championship clash with Hull City on Saturday.
The Frenchman missed his side’s 0-0 draw with Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday night after sustaining a knock to his thigh in the win over Preston North End.
Ntcham was withdrawn at halftime of the 1-0 triumph against the Lilywhites but will return to the squad against the Tigers.
“He’ll be fine for Saturday,” said the head coach after the QPR stalemate.
“It was more of a precaution than anything on Saturday. He wasn’t quite ready.”
Meanwhile, James Mcatee is attracting interest from a host of clubs including Leicester City, Brighton and Aston Villa, according to reports.
The Swans have been admirers of the Manchester City youngster for some time and are keen to recruit the 19-year-old on loan.
Mcatee would need to sign fresh terms with Pep Guardiola’s side before securing a loan exit given that his current deal at the Etihad Stadium expires in 18 months.
And Mailonline reports that Swansea’s Championship rivals Bournemouth, Blackburn and QPR are among those eager to clinch a loan deal for the young English attacker.
Swansea’s sporting director Mark Allen has held talks with those at his former club Man City over a potential swoop for Mcatee.
The Salford-born star has made three first-team appearances in all competitions for the Citizens so far this term.
Martin is expecting Swansea’s remaining January transfer business to go down to the wire.
The Swans have already brought in Cyrus Christie, Andy Fisher and Hannes Wolf this month.
However, head coach Martin is determined to bring in further recruits before Monday’s 11pm deadline. Ipswich’s Scott Fraser, Man City’s Mcatee, Sunderland’s Ross Stewart and MK Dons man Harry Darling are among those to attract interest from the Swans, although a lack of finances will ensure moves for some targets will not happen this month, if at all.
Eight players have left the club since the turn of the year, with Jay Fulton, Yan Dhanda and Jamie Paterson among those who could also head through the exit door. Martin has said he anticipates a manic 24 to 48 hours at the end of the winter window following his side’s clash with Hull City on Saturday.