These are your Swansea City headlines on Tuesday, August 16.
Warne makes Ogbene transfer admission
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne says he’s relaxed over Swansea City target Chiedozie Ogbene’s contract situation despite his red-hot start to the season attracting more admiring glances.
Swansea head coach Russell Martin is a known admirer of the Republic of Ireland attacker, although the boss remained coy when asked about him when the two teams met on the opening day of the season.
Ogbene has scored three goals already this term - including one against Swansea - but is out of contract next summer, along with team-mate Dan Barlaser who has also begun the campaign well. Warne admitted many teams will want to sign the pair but thinks they will let their deals run down before signing for anyone.
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“No, not at all,” said Warne on whether their form had sped up the contract talks process. “Because I know the conversations we are going to have, so I might as well wait for the window to shut and have the same conversation. And possibly the same outcome.
“I can’t persuade lads to sign if I cannot get them the packages they want, it’s as simple as that.
“The same way as I tried to get Iky (Michael Ihiekwe) to stay from November onwards and I couldn’t convince him. I will do my best to keep them.
“I think a lot of people would want to sign Barlaser and Ogbene, as would I. But they will probably wait until they are out of contract. So if I get one more year out of both of them, I’ll be well pleased.”
Barton reveals Joseph offer
Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton has revealed they were priced out of a move for Swansea striker Kyle Joseph.
Joseph has just left SA1 and has headed to Oxford United on loan for the season. The youngster was unlikely to have featured for Martin this season so will now spend the rest of the term with The U's.
Rovers boss Barton also tried to sign him but commented that the finances were too much for the Gas.
He said after his side faced Oxford last weekend: “We’ll have a decent budget but you look at some of the players they’ve got: Brannagan, six or seven grand a week.
“They took (Kyle) Joseph. We were in the market for Joseph and got blown out of the water. They wanted £5,500 a week coverage for him.”
Minute's silence for Lenny
Swansea will hold a minute's silence before their match with Millwall tonight as a mark of respect for Lenny Johnrose.
News emerged of Johnrose's passing on Monday after a battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Tributes have poured in for the 52-year-old, who netted in the infamous 4-2 win over Hull City in 2003.
Swansea ended their heartfelt statement on Johnrose's death with the following words: "Lenny will be sorely and sadly missed by everyone at Swansea City, and the club sends its sincerest condolences to his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
"As a mark of respect, there will be a minute’s applause before our home fixture against Millwall on Tuesday evening, and our players will wear black armbands."
Early team news
Swansea will be without Jamie Paterson tonight against Millwall due to injury, but they have no fresh concerns following Saturday's win at Blackpool. Liam Walsh remains a long-term absentee.
As for the Lions, Mason Bennett is set to miss out with a hamstring injury while Zian Flemming and Tom Bradshaw are also unavailable.
New signing Vogey Voglsammer is set to be in contention to feature. You can follow the game with us here.
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