Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City news for Wednesday, February 8.
Swans linked with Roma defender
Swansea City are reportedly keeping tabs on Roma defender Bryan Reynolds.
According to Belgian outlet Gazet van Antwerpen, both the Swans and Championship rivals Watford are keen on signing the American, who is currently on loan at KVC Westerlo.
READ MORE: Wales legend Joe Allen announces he is retiring from international football
The right-back has racked up one goal and three assists in 20 appearances in Belgium this season, and his form has perhaps now caught the eye of clubs elsewhere.
Any potential move would have to wait until the summer, and would also likely require a fee, with the 21-year-old contracted to the Serie A giants until 2025.
Page pays tribute to 'immense' Allen
Wales boss Rob Page has paid tribute to Joe Allen following the Swansea City midfielder's decision to retire from international football.
Allen made the announcement to step away from the Wales set-up on Tuesday, bringing an end to a wonderful 14-year stint in the famous red shirt, where he helped his side qualify for two European Championships and a World Cup.
Commenting on the 32-year-old's decision, Page said: "I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with Joe Allen for the last few years. He is a proud Welshman and a tremendous ambassador for his country both on and off the field.
"Joe’s contribution to the success of Welsh football is immense.
"Naturally I am disappointed that he will no longer be pulling on the red jersey but having spoken with him I respect and understand his decision. I would like to say a huge diolch to Joe and wish him all the best in the future."
Cooper hails Martin impact
Ollie Cooper has hailed the impact of boss Russell Martin on his Swansea City career, and admits his progress over the last few months has even come as a surprise to himself.
The 23-year-old has been a regular under the Swans boss this season, with his form earning him a place on the standby list for the Wales World Cup squad, as well as a new contract that will keep him in SA1 until 2027.
It's been a rapid rise, and the midfielder admits even he's been a little taken aback by it all.
"I always felt like I had the confidence in myself to impact the team when given the opportunity," he told Sgorio.
"I don't think I could have quite planned for it to turn out quite as well as it has.
"I just felt like I had something to offer and I just wanted the opportunity to show it.
"As much as you want to be patient - and I was patient, waiting for that opportunity - at the same time you want to play. It's tough being patient. It really is. But I just knew that if I was going to be given the opportunity I was going to be ready and I'd like to think I did that, which is why I'm continuing to play now."
When pressed on the influence of Martin, Cooper added: "I can't thank him enough for all the help he's given me personally. He just has so much confidence and belief in me, and he keeps reminding me that I need to believe in myself as much as he does.
"If you continuously hear it, it definitely does help. He's helped me so much and I wouldn't be performing as well as I am without the confidence and belief he has in me."
Swans move a dream for Mitch
Swansea City youngster Mitchell Bates says he's ready to grasp the opportunity to pull on the shirt of his boyhood club after a completing a recent move from Welsh League side Briton Ferry Llansawel.
After being released from the Swans as a schoolboy, the midfielder is set to link up with the under-21s side following a successful trial period, and has signed a professional deal up to the end of June 2024.
Reflecting on the move, the 18-year-old said: “I’ve supported Swansea City since I can remember, really. Growing up in Swansea, going past the stadium all the time, I’ve always wanted to play there, and I feel like this is my opportunity.
“I had a season ticket for many years as a kid, so growing up I idolised a lot of the Swans players, especially Michu.
“I started off at Swansea when I was 11-years-old, but unfortunately that didn’t work out for me. So, I joined West End FC.
“I was with West End and then I joined Briton Ferry, where I’ve progressed up until now.
“My family have been the main thing in my whole footballing journey. Over the last couple of weeks, they have been ringing me asking whether I'm going to sign or not because they’re all huge Swansea fans.
“My brother is a huge Swans fan, and he was so excited and happy when he found out I was signing for the club. My family can’t believe it!
“After my knee injury, I was just expecting to play in the Welsh league’s my whole life, really. I’ve come back from my injury a lot better than I thought I would, and now it’s paid off.
“I can’t wait to get started fully at the club, it’s what I've always wanted and the hard work starts now."
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