Joel Piroe's future has become one of the big talking points of Swansea City's summer, with the Dutchman looking almost certain to move on before the close of the transfer window.
The club's incomings, which look set to yield a third signing in striker Jerry Yates, has subsequently taken place against a backdrop of noise around what might come next. Understandably so too, with the cash raised from Piroe's departure likely to define what's possible in terms of incomings over the coming weeks.
At the time of writing he remains a Swans player, but for how much more? Here's a quick timeline on where things stand.
READ MORE: Blackpool’s Jerry Yates completes Swansea City medical as club to pay biggest transfer fee in five years and player heads other way
Leicester's pursuit and the Russell Martin Southampton factor
Leicester City are one of the teams understood to be very keen, having previously made tentative enquiries last summer. Back then, Swansea's demands of £20m proved enough to keep the Foxes at bay.
However, having seen Piroe enjoy another red hot run of goalscoring form in the Championship, it seems their admiration remains pretty strong. New boss Enzo Maresca is keen on moulding a squad capable of challenging for an immediate return to the Premier League following their relegation last term, and Piroe clearly ticks a lot of boxes.
With over 40 goals to his name over the last two seasons, the 23-year-old is unquestionably a proven talent at this level, and it's subsequently of little surprise to see him on the radar of a side with promotion ambitions.
WalesOnline understands Leicester have already held initial discussions with Piroe's camp to explore a possible move, but have so far stopped short of putting together a formal bid.
Southampton, who themselves have ambitions of bouncing back to the top flight, are also in the picture, with Piroe's former boss Russell Martin recently taking the reins there.
Ryan Manning recently completed a move to the south coast, citing the chance to work with Martin again as a key factor in his decision.
Whether Martin will have the same pull for Piroe remains to be seen.
The Italian interest and Man United move that could be key
Everton and Nottingham Forest have also made enquiries over a move, while Piroe is also believed to be in the radar at Leeds United, although they don't seem to have acted on any potential interest at this stage.
However, Piroe's appeal goes well beyond these shores.
It's understood Italian side Salernitana have already explored the possibility of a deal this summer, but that one seems a no go after being met with a somewhat lukewarm response from the player.
However, there's still a chance he could yet make the move to Serie A, with Atalanta taking interest in recent weeks. As with Leicester, they are understood to have discussions with the player's representatives, and currently appear among the leading contenders for his signature.
Again, however, there isn't yet a formal offer on the table. Atalanta know all too well what it's like to face up to losing their star striker, with Manchester United reportedly closing in on a move for highly-rated Dane Rasmus Hojlund.
A £50m fee has been mentioned, and should that materialise, it stands to reason that they will likely further step up their pursuit.
Prioe could be a replacement for Hojlund, Atalanta might feel.
Duff’s view
Michael Duff has taken a pragmatic view of the situation, stating that Swansea are currently weighing up both scenarios this summer - whether the Dutchman stays or leaves.
He said recently: “I had some good conversations with Joel at our training camp in Spain last week and he was asking about details of what I want from him. Until anything changes we will keep on having those conversations. If he goes, he goes, and if he doesn’t he stays – it is not personal, it’s football.
“I understand he’s the big name at the club and only has a year left on his contract. There will be plans in place in terms of the way we play if he stays, and plans for if he goes.”
Piroe has been included in both pre-season friendlies, even netting in the 2-0 win over Haverfordwest County, and it appears Duff is currently acting on the assumption that it's business as usual - for the time being at least.
What Piroe's looking for
Piroe discussed his future back in May, and suggested that regular football, as well as the chance to continue his development were the key drivers in determining what comes next.
The forward told Eindhovens Dagblad: “Whether I will stay in Swansea for another year? There is a lot of speculation, but it remains to be seen whether something concrete will happen.
“It is nice to hear that clubs are interested. I mainly look at where I can play a lot and continue to take steps as a football player.”
Piroe's ultimate ambition is to one day represent the Dutch national team, so while there could yet be some big names entering the mix for his signature, he has little intention of going somewhere just to sit on the bench.
The valuation question
Given his contract status, there was a general feeling Swansea would struggle to get close to the £20m they demanded last summer, but with the level of interest growing, and with movement elsewhere in the market, there's perhaps a real case now for the Swans to stick to their guns.
Viktor Gyokeres, a striker with a similar record, was recently sold to Sporting Lisbon for the same price, despite also having one year left on his deal at Coventry City.
Yes, there's a certain amount of pressure to get a sale done, but the Swede's move has perhaps set something of a benchmark in terms of valuation, while a growing list of admirers may well drive the price up further.
