Swansea City’s summer transfer business kicked off with two signings in a matter of hours last week. Nathan Wood and Wasiri Williams penned deals in south Wales to get the ball rolling in SA1.
In all likelihood it will just be Wood who impacts the first team in the short term but the pairs’ signing has gone some way to assuage some of the frustration being felt by supporters. They have seen their neighbours sign eight players already this summer, while progress has been that bit slower further down the M4. The reality is though that Cardiff City's squad needs not just a makeover but open heart surgery.
What is clear however is there is a lot of work still to do at Fairwood, and with players due back for pre-season today and with the fixtures for next term just around the corner, things will have to ramp up a notch.
In goal, youngster Remy Mitchell is expected to join from Arsenal on a free transfer. Given his age he is likely to go into Kris O'Leary's under-23s squad.
READ MORE: Burnley preparing swoop for Swansea City's Joel Latibeaudiere
With Ben Hamer already leaving and with three stoppers exiting from the under-23s, further additions in the goalkeeper department are expected. Steven Benda has been linked with a move away from Landore, with Peterborough United keen on him. That move has appeared to hit the buffers but Swansea are hopeful of selling the German for a fee.
At the back, there is expected to be movement in and out. Chief executive Julian Winter said last month that Swansea’s priorities were two centre-backs and a right-wing back this summer.
Wood’s arrival sees one of those central defenders ticked off. Other centre-backs linked are Jack Tucker from Gillingham and Harry Darling from MK Dons, although competition for the latter is expected to be fierce. Last season's loan men Cyrus Christie and Hannes Wolf remain of interest but the former looks to be edging towards a move to Preston after his release from Fulham.
Wolf still has another year on his Borussia Mönchengladbach contract and is said to be keen on a return.
In terms of defensive outgoings, WalesOnline reported yesterday that Burnley are lining up a £500,000 bid for Joel Latibeaudiere, while Ryan Bennett is expected to leave this summer. Brandon Cooper is attracting interest from a number of League One clubs and could leave on loan.
In midfield, Swansea plans appear to focus on Joe Allen. Head coach Russell Martin admitted he wanted to bring the Welshman home when asked about him on the last day of the season, although he has since said any move would have to see outgoings first, with no room at present in Swansea's midfield department.
To make room for Allen there could be movement in the shape of Jay Fulton and Liam Walsh who don’t appear to be in Martin’s long-term plans. Flynn Downes was linked to Leeds United earlier this summer but that talk has gone quiet. They could, however, re-emerge should Whites midfield Kelvin Phillips join Manchester City, which looks likely.
Sunderland’s Lynden Gooch has emerged as a player on Swansea’s radar, with the American out of contract at the Stadium of Light. His versatility would appeal - being able to play out wide and in defence - but his recent comments would suggest he would like to play further forward.
There have also been links to Tottenham attacker Troy Parrott, who can play up top or in a number 10 role.
The Republic of Ireland international is keen to break into Spurs’ first-team ranks but the plan for him next season is to go out on loan. The strikers within Swansea's ranks - Joel Piroe and Michael Obafemi - have attracted Premier League interest. Leicester City have been linked with Piroe, although our colleagues at LeicestershireLive have poured cold water on that one. Obafemi, meanwhile, has been mentioned as a target for Graham Potter’s Brighton.
Rotherham United's Chiedozie Ogbene is admired by Swansea and the winger put out something of a come-and-get-me plea when asked about his future last month. “Every player wants to be at a stable, established club, especially a big one like Swansea City," he said.
“For me, it’s really important at this stage of my career to be playing games. That’s at the highest level I can get to.” Having just triggered a one-year extension on his Millers deal, however, Swansea face an obstacle in obtaining his signature.
James McAtee, a longtime target for Martin, looks like he's joining Huddersfield Town on loan for the upcoming season.
Liam Cullen and Morgan Whittaker, who both spent time away from SA1 on loan last season, are being tracked by League One side Portsmouth who want to sign the pair on permanent deals. The Fratton Park club have also expressed an interest in Kyle Joseph. Others who were loaned out last season, such as Jordon Garrick, are also expected to move on, with the winger open to a return to Home Park and Plymouth Argyle.
