Russell Martin is confident that Swansea City's owners will give him the necessary backing to bolster his squad in January.
The Swans are keen to sign a right wing-back in the winter transfer window while they are also exploring the possibility of adding to other areas of their squad.
And having met co-owner Jason Levien for the first time last weekend, head coach Martin admits Swansea are fully prepared for any eventuality in the opening month of 2023.
"We're well aware of what we feel we need to improve the performance of the team," he said. "We also have a succession plan in case we lose anyone or in case we don't agree contracts and that means we have to deal with a different scenario in January.
"We're really prepared I feel. Those discussions have been going on for a long time and they'll be going on until January.
"I'd really like us to work quickly in terms of what we want, but, again, January is really difficult, so we'll just have to see on that front. We have real clarity in what we feel we need to improve us and also we have real belief that we have the full support of Jake [Silverstein], Jason and Steve [Kaplan]. We've got real confidence that they'll help us out in January and hopefully improve the squad."
Swansea remain in dialogue over the possibility of extending the deals of Ryan Manning and Joel Latibeaudiere. The pair - who have been regulars under the current regime - see their existing contracts expire following the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.
However, ahead of the trip to Coventry City, Martin admitted the club are struggling to make progress when it comes to tying down Manning and Latibeaudiere.
"I think, frustratingly for us, I don't think there is much progress," added Martin. "At some point there'll have to be a cut-off point where we know if they’re staying or not. Josh [Marsh] and Julian [Winter] will continue to work hard on that I’m sure.
"As it stands, the players aren't agreeing to sign contracts at this moment in time. That’s where we’re at. It's a bit frustrating. There’s been offers of contracts, it’s just sometimes these things take longer than you'd like them to.
"I’m never a fan of leaving players until the last years of their contracts, for this reason, so it’s a bit frustrating for us. We’ll wait and see. There will be a time when I can come in and say ‘they’re not signing’ or if they are which will be great news. in the meantime there's been contracts offered and the negotiations continue."
Martin himself has been the subject of contract talks with the club's ownership group of late. The head coach and his staff signed a three-year deal when joining from MK Dons in August 2021.
But Martin has revealed his own contract situation was not discussed with Levien after the loss to Norwich City.
"It wasn't [discussed] and we're quite relaxed about that," he explained. "We've had a few player contracts to try and deal with and the January transfer window.
"That's more of a priority than us when we're halfway through our contracts. We're quite relaxed about it really. We're having initial discussions, they would like to have a chat, Jason, Jake [Silverstein] and the guys, and we'd love to have that chat as well but it's all about timing.
"We're really happy here. I mean that. The people we work with here everyday know that. My family is really happy here. We love the people we're working with and we're excited about what we can build. Would we like to stay longer? 100%."
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