Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City headlines for Friday, July 29.
Rasmussen links seemingly dismissed
Swansea City are not in the market for another centre-back this summer, despite reports linking them with a move for Fiorentina's Jacob Rasmussen.
The 25-year-old was linked with the Swans on Thursday, along with Championship rivals Norwich and QPR.
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However, having already recruited Harry Darling and Nathan Wood this summer, it's understood the Swans are not currently looking to add to add any further recruits to their central defensive options.
In any case, it seems the Dane may well be heading elsewhere, with reports in the Dutch media suggesting he's now closing in on a move to Feyenoord
Grimes backs Downes for Premier League success
Swansea City skipper admits he was sad to see midfield pal Flynn Downes depart for West Ham earlier this summer, but has backed him to be a success in the top flight.
Speaking ahead of the opening day clash with Rotherham, Grimes revealed he had spoken to Downes shortly after his move completed to thank him for a superb season in SA1.
"I was sad to see him go, but it's an absolute dream move for him," he said. "I couldn't be happier for him. I text him and rang him when he left just to say 'thank you for everything you gave us for a year'. But he's going to his boyhood club in the Premier League.
"It's what dreams are made of and that's a sign that playing under this manager and playing this style of football attracts the attention that you need to really kick on. He's ready for the Prem no doubt."
Grimes believes the Swans are far more prepared to hit the ground running this season, after enjoying a full summer together, and admits the team were previously not quite up to the levels of conditioning needed to thrive under Martin's brand of football.
“I feel like we struggled last year to keep the intensity up with way manager wants to play. There’s a lot of physical and tactical detail.
“We were not unfit, we were just not used to or conditioned to play this way. This time we have had five or six weeks to build that, and it will stand us in good stead.
“We are in a better place 100 per cent. If you play a certain way you need to be trained in that way. If you are not, you cannot do it as well, that’s a fact.
“You have to train the way you play. We were not ready for a full season last year, we showed in moments and in certain games we could do it, but often in the third game in a week we would struggle as we would not have the energy levels to go again.
“We are now fit and ready to play the way the manager wants to play. I think we are better equipped this time.”
Allen set to miss opener as Cabango returns
Russell Martin says Joe Allen is set to miss Swansea City’s opening day clash with Rotherham United, but Ben Cabango is available for selection and in "brilliant shape" ahead of the trip to south Yorkshire.
Allen is continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury picked up while on international duty with Wales, and won't be risked, but Cabango is closing in on a return to action following a successful outing for the under-21s last weekend.
“Ben is back in so he will be involved,” Martin said.
“I have to say, he is in brilliant shape. He has obviously lacked a bit of game time during pre-season but he is more than ready.
“Joe is going to be a little bit longer. He could have had him involved, but we don’t want to risk it as it could be a bit early for him.
“He has been great with the group since returning to the club. He leaves everything out there whether that’s in the gym or on the training pitch.
“He is always 100 per cent present and focused on what he is doing, and that is why it was so important to bring him back to the club.
“He will be brilliant for our young players, but we just need to be patient. We hope he will be with us next week.”
Rodon closing in on France move
Former Swansea City star Joe Rodon is closing in on a loan move to French side Rennes.
The Wales international is keen get more minutes under his belt ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, and doesn't appear any closer to forcing his way into Antonio Conte's first team plans next season.
Explaining the move, Conte himself said: "Joe Rodon is another good player and don't forget that in November there is the World Cup and many players want to play and play regularly. Also to prepare themselves for this important competition.
"I think that when the thoughts from the club and the players are the same we try to find the best solution for both."
According to the Daily Mail, the Ligue 1 side will have an option to make his deal permanent for around £18m.
Routledge gives verdict on Swans season
Swansea City legend Wayne Routledge says Russell Martin might well need a couple of further additions in order to fulfil his ambitions for the season.
The green shoots of progress during the second half of last season, combined with a positive transfer window, means there is plenty of optimism around Fairwood ahead of the new season, with some onlookers even suggesting that Martin's men may well be dark horses for top six charge.
But Routledge believes the play-offs is likely to be just out of their grasp.
"I think it’s a big ask for them to get in the play-offs," he told BETDAQ. "We know Swansea don’t have the biggest of budgets and I think they’re a couple of players short of what they want to do at the moment.
"Russell Martin has gone in there and he has a definitive style of play and he knows exactly what he wants them to do and how he wants them to play but sometimes getting that message fully through to a working level takes a little bit more time.
"This year he’s had a full pre-season which he didn’t have last year so hopefully the ideas have come across more, but still there’s new players listening to new ideas and trying to gel with new team-mates which takes a bit of time.
"So if they progress on last season it's good progression. But for them to be in the play-offs I think will be a step too far this year. I’d say they’ll finish just outside the play-offs but inside the top 10."
Tigers clash moved
Swansea City’s home Championship clash against Hull City has been chosen for coverage by Sky Sports.
The game at the Swansea.com Stadium remains on the same date of Saturday, September 17, but will now kick-off at the earlier time of 12.30pm.
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