Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City news for Saturday, January 7.
Hull to up Ebiowei offer
Hull City are reportedly prepared to pay Crystal Palace winger Malcolm Ebiowei’s wages in full in a bid to ensure they win the race for his signature.
The Tigers are said to be well placed to sign the 19-year-old, who's also been linked with Swansea City, Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers.
Ipswich Town have also been tipped as a potential suitor, but it's the Tigers who are believed to currently be leading the race. Ebiowei worked under Hull boss Liam Rosenior at Derby County and pair seemingly enjoy a strong working relationship.
Rosenior has confirmed interest in the winger, and the Tigers are now reportedly ready to offer a financial package they hope will edge them ahead of their rivals.
Martin unsurprised by Oko-Flex decision
Russell Martin says he's not surprised by West Ham's decision to recall Armstrong Oko-Flex and says the youngster will leave Swansea City a better player.
The 20-year-old has made just one start since arriving in south Wales in the summer, but Martin insists he's been pleased by the youngster's progress in a Swans shirt, adding that the Irishman leaves with the club's best wishes.
"I'm not surprised by it," he said when quizzed on the move. "There's been so much discussion with his agent, who's a really good guy and was really keen to get Armstrong here just to experience it and to understand what it takes to be at this level.
"He feel like he's improved as a player during his time here and I think he's enjoyed it. The agent said the same. But Armstrong wants to go and play every week back there [West Ham] and try and force his way into the reckoning there if he can, and if not he can prepare himself for the summer and see what comes then.
"For us, he had a good impact in some games and he's found it really difficult to get into the team consistently. West Ham had the option to recall him and they've taken it.
"We wish him nothing but the best. He's a really, really great kid and he fit in really well. It's been a positive one for him and hopefully it'll be part of his journey in a long and successful career."
Cooper tipped for top
Joe Allen says youngster Ollie Cooper has the qualities needed to be a key player for club and country over the coming years.
Cooper has enjoyed a superb season with the Swans, with a goal against Cardiff City in the South Wales derby a particular highlight. Some considered him unlucky to miss out on Rob Page's squad for the World Cup, although he did travel to Qatar as a standby option.
Allen believes it's only a matter of time before the 23-year-old is pulling on the red shirt on a regular basis, and says he's ready to offer any wisdom the youngster may need.
"He has been a surprise package, and provided a real breath of fresh air," he said. "I saw it when I first came in. He’s got great technical quality and also has that bit of bite and aggression.
"I'm really hopeful he’s going to be a mainstay and key figure for Swansea for many years. The next step is for him to play in the Welsh shirt. He had a taste coming away to the World Cup and I’m sure he’s got ambitions to play for Wales for many years to come.
"He has arrived and if I can help him in any way I will. He’s an intelligent lad who is just taking it in and improving day by day. He’s on the right path and set for a great career at this club."
Allen defends Ramsey after Nice absence
Meanwhile, Joe Allen says he can understand Wales team-mate Aaron Ramsey's troubles in digesting their recent World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Ramsey only returned to training with Nice this week after taking an extended break on the back of his side's group stage exit. Boss Lucien Favre said the midfielder was finding it 'hard to digest' events in Qatar.
And Allen admits he can see where the former Arsenal and Rangers star is coming from.
"I can understand what he’s going through," Allen said. "The World Cup is the pinnacle of our careers and we worked so hard to get there. We throw so much into achieving something there, but it didn’t quite happen.
"You don’t get a second chance, so of course it takes its toll mentally in certain regards. But it’s all part of a football career and things we are used to dealing with.
"It has been good for me getting stuck back into club football almost immediately."
The manner of the disappointing exit has seen the international futures of Wales' senior stars come into question recently, but the veteran insists the likes of Gareth Bale, Ramsey, and himself, have at least one more campaign left in them.
"There is still a place for the experienced, older lads," he added. "We have got a good blend in the group and I’m sure that’s going to continue.
"I can’t see why Bale and Ramsey won’t continue. They’ve still got so much to offer and they’ve been a huge part of it – and I’m sure still will be for at least another campaign."
READ NEXT:
