Your Swansea City headlines for Thursday, February 3.
Martin explains Dhanda situation
Russell Martin says Swansea City's owners were not willing to accept the offers submitted for Yan Dhanda during the January transfer window.
The attacker was told be could leave the club in the winter market having failed to force his way into the Swans' first team on a regular basis.
Crewe Alexandra, Burton Albion and Bolton Wanderers were among the clubs who showed an interest in securing Dhanda's services while Swansea's American owners were keen on seeing the player link-up with DC United.
Speaking ahead of his side's Championship clash with Hull City, Martin revealed the former Liverpool youngster was close to leaving the Swansea.com Stadium.
However, a move failed to materialise, meaning the 23-year-old will spend the remainder of the season at Swansea.
"I'm sure Yan will have his say on that at some point," said Martin.
"We just didn't get an offer the owners were willing to take financially for Yan to leave the football club.
"He's here, he's back training with the squad and he's there if we need him at any point.
"It's up to him to stay ready and train really well. We have a really small squad so the likelihood is that he may have to be used at some point."
Dhanda's current contract expires in the summer.
He has made 62 appearances since joining the club in 2018, scoring five goals.
Ogbeta reveals Laird influence in move
Nathanael Ogbeta has revealed his cousin Ethan Laird played a key role in his move from Shrewsbury Town to Swansea.
The Swans signed the left-back for a fee in the region of £300,000 on transfer deadline day having allowed Jake Bidwell to join Coventry City earlier on in the window.
And Ogbeta - who is well known to Swansea's sporting director Mark Allen following the pair's time at Man City - has revealed former Swan Laird only had positive words to say about the Swans ahead of his cousin's switch to south Wales.
“It was dramatic, but I am so happy. I had heard a couple of weeks ago that there was some interest and it progressed from there," Ogbeta told the club website.
“My cousin Ethan was here recently, and he spoke so highly of the club, and he also worked with Russell Martin at MK Dons so I had heard so many good things about him, his staff and the club.
“He felt so at home here, he said it was a family club and he felt so comfortable.
“That was a big thing for me, as was the way they want to play football. I have gone through my career used to playing possession-based football."
On Allen's role in the transfer, Ogbeta commented: "I have known Mark since I was younger and he has always believed in me. He gave me a scholarship at quite a young age.
“He did so much to get this move done and I cannot thank him enough for that and helping I and my family to be here."
Rovers team news
Blackburn Rovers are set to be without Sam Gallagher and Tayo Edun for Saturday's clash with Swansea, according to our colleagues at LancsLive.
Gallagher has undergone scans following a collision with Wales international Tom Lockyer during Blackburn's 0-0 draw with Luton Town last weekend.
Edun sustained an ankle injury in the same game, meaning he will not turn out against the Swans on Saturday.
Star striker Ben Brereton Diaz is expected to be involved after returning from international duty with Chile.
Reda Khadra is poised to return this weekend after recovering from a hamstring injury while new signings Rhys Hedges and Ryan Giles are eligible to feature.
Tyrhys Dolan, Harry Pickering and Bradley Dack will all miss out.
McAtee's new deal
James McAtee has signed a new long-term contract with Manchester City.
The Swans were keen to sign the 19-year-old on loan last month in a bid to bolster their attacking options.
However, Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of the young Englishman and wanted to keep McAtee in his ranks for the remainder of the current campaign.
Swansea had hoped the playmaker would sign fresh terms before being sent out on loan.
But he will now spend the rest of the season with the current Premier League leaders having put pen to paper on a new deal that runs until the summer of 2026.
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