These are your Swansea City headlines on Friday, July 15.
Smith undergoes Derby medical
The Telegraph report Korey Smith is having a medical with League One side Derby County.
The midfielder was released by Swansea at the end of the season, with an amicable parting of the ways confirmed in May.
"Korey has played in a number of positions and done brilliantly in all of them, he has really added value to the team and really helped the young guys on the team," said head coach Russell Martin at the time.
READ MORE : Why Swansea City have played most pre-season games behind closed doors
“He has never let anyone down, he is a great team player and he goes with our best wishes. I have no doubt he will be a great team-mate and a real good player wherever he goes next."
The Rams, recently relegated from the Championship, have left administration and are embarking upon something of signing spree, bringing in former Cardiff City striker James Collins earlier this week.
Swans set for Gas friendly as Allen edges closer
Swansea are set for their fourth friendly of pre-season when Bristol Rovers visit Fairwood tomorrow.
Martin has already revealed the reasons for games taking place behind closed doors this summer., with travel a major factor in their decision-making process.
"The behind-closed-doors fixtures serve a purpose for a couple of reasons really. Our pitch isn't ready at the Swansea.com Stadium.
"We don't want to do a huge amount of travelling in pre-season because we've got to do a hell of a lot of during the season anyway. We've got two away games [this summer] where we have to travel and get into the flow of that again, but we don't want to do too much of that in pre-season because it's physically very demanding.
"We have some brilliant pitches at Fairwood that we can use, we can experiment and really have a look at things, so they really serve a purpose.
"But you can't replicate it with crowds. Charlton will be good for us as well. We have one before that against Bristol Rovers."
Joe Allen is edging closer to a return to full fitness, with the Wales midfielder hoping to be involved in Swansea's remaining pre-season schedule at some stage.
Congreve keen to build
Cameron Congreve says he is loving every minute of his Swansea City journey after signing a contract extension at the club.
The youngster enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, starting the final two games of the campaign against Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers.
The 18-year-old now wants to continue progressing at the Swansea.com Stadium after penning fresh terms for Martin.
“It’s been a great year for me so far and I have been loving every moment of it,” said the Wales age-grade international.
“It has been a really easy transition for me to the first-team set-up, all the boys and the staff have been so welcoming from day one.
“That makes a difference, the staff have shown faith in young players and that shows you there is a pathway for the younger boys to develop and get to senior level. That pathway does not exist at every club, but there are no restrictions here. If you play and perform well you have the opportunity to be in the side.
“Pre-season has been tough but I have really enjoyed it, I feel strong physically. I have gone into the games we have had feeling a lot fitter than I did at this stage last season. It’s been really good.
“I’ve played a few different positions, some of it is new to me and I am learning. I have to keep working hard and try my best to make sure I am involved in the squad and team as often as possible.”
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Why Swansea City have played most pre-season games behind closed doors
