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Ian Mitchelmore & Mathew Davies

Swansea City transfer news as Aston Villa star who wants to leave in January linked and Jake Humphrey tweet sums up Swans

These are your Swansea City headlines on Wednesday, October 19.

Swans linked with Villa man

Reports in France state Swansea are tracking Aston Villa's Morgan Sanson.

The midfielder arrived in the Midlands in January 2021 but has barely featured for the Premier League side, with Steven Gerrard overlooking him completely so far this season.

Swansea, Sunderland and two French clubs - Lille and Strasbourg - are mentioned in the French media as possible suitors for a player who "wishes to leave" Villa in January.

READ MORE: Swansea City tweaks reap maximum rewards vs Reading as double Cardiff City boost on cards

The Championship duo would look for a loan deal in January, continued the report. Swansea are tad shy in the midfield department, with Liam Walsh out for the season and Joe Allen struggling to maintain fitness at present.

Humphrey's praise for Martin

Swansea's come-from-behind win against Reading on Tuesday night garnered a fair bit of attention.

The victory put Swansea back on the path after a humbling 4-0 defeat to Burnley at the weekend, but in truth their form has picked up handsomely in recent weeks. They now sit just outside the play-off spots on 24 points, tied with Luton Town, Norwich City and QPR.

They are actually just a win off the lead, with Blackburn Rovers on top of the pile on 27 points, having played a game more than Swansea.

BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey is a fan of what he sees from head coach Russell Martin, tweeting during the Royals game: "I think Russell Martin is doing an exceptional job at Swansea. Enjoyable football, and brilliant results considering the budget he is playing with."

Martin loves Oko-Flex reaction

Martin praised the attitude of Armstrong Oko-Flex after the substitute was withdrawn late on in Swansea's win over Reading.

The West Ham loanee replaced Nathan Wood at half-time and played a key role in his side's dramatic turnaround against the Royals. After Jay Fulton had put the hosts ahead at the Swansea.com Stadium, Oko-Flex was replaced by Fin Stevens for the final stages as Martin's men looked to protect their advantage.

"The way Armstrong took to coming off after coming on, he'd done his job, he had his impact," said Martin.

"We scored two goals, he frightened the life out of people and got bums off seats in the crowd. He was great.

"But then the game needed something a little bit different. The way he reacted to that and the way we were at the end of the game means more than anything, it was brilliant."

Biggest Reading cheer

Late on in the second-half triumph over Reading, Michael Obafemi earned the biggest roar from the Jack Army.

The striker darted back from the top end of the pitch to help his side's defence, winning a header as Swansea kept the Royals at bay late on.

It typified what was a collective effort from the Swans who have now won five of their last six matches.

And Martin hailed Obafemi's display on Tuesday night as one of his best for some time.

"Michael was outstanding tonight," he said. "One of the biggest cheers of the night was when Michael sprinted back 50 yards to win a header on the edge of our box to help his team.

"The crowd recognised it, we recognised it and his team-mates recognised it. As long as Michael brings us that he'll score and he'll be great. I'm so happy with Michael as well. That's the best performance he's put in for us for a long time.

"He deserved a goal and he'll get it if he plays like that."

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