Swans will be ‘active’ in window – Winter
SWANSEA City chief Julian Winter says their plans for the January transfer window are well under way and that they are aiming to boost the squad ahead of the second half of the campaign.
Swansea currently sit 11th in the Championship heading into the new year, just two points off the top six and an all-important play-off spot.
Since their resounding South Wales derby win back in October Swansea have yet to get back to winning ways, with a trip to Reading their next assignment today.
Head coach Russell Martin’s squad could do with an injection of quality, like it did last January when Hannes Wolf and Cyrus Christie were drafted in on loan. Both players gave the team a lift.
That transfer scenario could well unfold this time around, with Winter stating that he is in regular contact with owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan, as well as Josh Marsh ahead of what they hope will be an active month of transfer movement.
A new right-wingback is on the agenda, with a number of strikers also linked with a move to south Wales amid uncertainty over the future of Michael Obafemi.
“The Christmas period also means that the January transfer window is almost upon us,” Winter said in an update for supporters.
“I am in regular dialogue with Jason, Steve and Jake, as well as with Russell and Josh Marsh regarding all things football.
“As a club we are aiming to be active in the window, with conversations around what we might like to do having begun a while ago. When one transfer window ends, planning for the next one begins immediately.
“Collectively, however, we will be working hard to improve the squad and look ahead to the second half of the season.
“But one thing is for certain, we will continue to do it our way; The Swansea Way.”
The contract situations surrounding Ryan Manning and Joel Latibeaudiere will surely play into Swansea’s thinking, with Martin not expecting the two to sign new deals in SA1. To lose Manning in particular would be a blow, such has been his impact since his arrival in Landore.
“The feedback is at this minute, Ryan’s agent is saying it’s unlikely we are going to sign the current deal he’s been offered and I’m not convinced we as a club can go any further,” Martin said on Manning’s situation.
“I think it’s a really good deal. It’s a good deal for us. We have three games and then the window will open, so there will be another discussion with Josh and Julian I am sure at some point about how we deal with that.
“But in the meantime I have got no worries about how Ryan is going to give everything. I thought he was excellent in the last half hour on Saturday [at Coventry], two huge goal contributions.”
Winter, though, remains optimistic that the club are on the right path as they aim to forge their way back to their ultimate goal of the Premier League.
“As a team we have clearly made progress, and with the second-youngest squad in the Championship we have continued to make great strides in the past few months,” he added.
“We have a core group of young players - together with some experienced senior professionals - who are playing with courage and bravery, and who continue to represent the football club in the right way both on and off the pitch.
“What we are trying to build takes time and patience, and I believe we are firmly on track and in a good position to continue towards our goal of reaching the Premier League.”