Your Swansea City headlines on Friday, March 31.
Duo linked with Ogbene
Sheffield United and West Brom have been linked with a swoop for former Swansea City target Chiedozie Ogbene.
The Swans explored the option of signing the Republic of Ireland international in each of the previous two transfer windows but were unable to prise him away from Rotherham United.
However, the 25-year-old's contract with the Millers expires in the summer, meaning he can leave the south Yorkshire outfit for nothing.
Swansea's Championship rivals Sheffield United and West Brom - along with Belgian side Standard Liege - are now said to be monitoring Ogbene's situation ahead of the summer, according to the Irish Examiner.
Nevertheless, despite concerns that he could leave the New York Stadium on a free transfer, Rotherham boss Matt Taylor says his side will do all in their power to keep the versatile attacker at the club beyond this season.
"I want him to play well in every single opportunity he gets. He deserves everything he gets," he said of Ogbene's exploits during the international break.
"In terms of his future, hopefully that's with ourselves and we'll do everything we possibly can but I would never want anyone to go away on the international stage and not play well for my benefit, that would be a selfish thing to do."
Swans issue Obafemi statement
Swansea City say they welcome the news that a fan who racially abused Michael Obafemi has been hit with with a three-year banning order.
Josh Phillips, 26, launched a racist attack at Obafemi on social media following the striker's move from Swansea to Championship leaders Burnley in January.
Mr Phillips went on to delete the post but was tracked down by police and pleaded guilty to the offence at court. And the Swans have stated they and Burnley will continue to support Obafemi following the verdict.
A club statement read: "Swansea City welcomes Friday’s verdict that has seen an individual who posted disgusting racist abuse towards Michael Obafemi handed a three-year football banning order.
"Josh Phillips sent the vile remark via social media on January 28, following the striker’s loan move to Burnley. Swansea Magistrates Court today sentenced Phillips to a 12-week jail term, which is suspended for 18 months, while the three-year banning order forbids him from attending any home or away fixtures, as well as any Wales international fixtures.
"The banning order also prevents him from travelling abroad to watch international friendlies, qualification matches and tournaments. The club would like to thank South Wales Police for their assistance throughout the investigation, and also praise the bravery shown by Michael in speaking about the impact it has had on him earlier this month.
"We hope that today’s verdict sets a strong precedent for anyone who commits such offences in the future, and that the severity of sentence will help in the process to eradicate such abhorrent behaviour within football and society.
"We remain sickened by the appalling language used in the offending posts and the individual in question does not represent Swansea City or the values of our club and community.
"There is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in society or football, and both Swansea City and Burnley will continue to support Michael."
You can read the full story on the banning order here.
Davies dazzles for U21s
Ruben Davies stole the show as he scored all four goals for Swansea City's under-21s who secured a dramatic 4-3 win over Ipswich Town on Friday afternoon.
The striker was in scintillating form at Landore, completing his hat-trick with only 22 minutes on the clock. Davies added his fourth of the game 10 minutes before half-time to put the young Swans in command.
However, they threatened to blow their massive lead in the second-half as Osman Foyo, Joe Edwards and Harry Barbrook all netted for the Tractor Boys to set up a tense finish.
But Corey Hurford netted Swansea's fifth in injury-time to ensure the hosts held on for victory in the Professional Development League encounter.
Swansea City U21s: Remy Mitchell, Harry Jones, Sam Leverett, Azeem Abdulai, Kai Ludvigsen, Ben Blythe, Joe Thomas (Corey Hurford 45), Joel Cotterill (C), Ruben Davies (Kyrell Wilson 81), Tivonge Rushesha, Liam Smith.
Subs not used: Kit Margetson, Dan Watts, Arthur Parker.
Pundit's prediction
David Prutton can't separate Cardiff City and Swansea City as the sides prepare to face off this weekend.
The Swans have won the last three South Wales derby matches in a row, although the Bluebirds have improved of late under Sabri Lamouchi. And pundit Prutton expects both sides to get on the scoresheet, with the former Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Leeds United man expecting the points to be shared in the Welsh capital.
Writing in his Sky Sports column, Prutton said: "How frustrating would that have been for Cardiff? Leading in such a big game at Rotherham near the foot of the table, only to see it succumb to the weather. You could tell Sabri Lamouchi wasn't happy.
"Swansea are set for another season in mid-table, but this is a great chance for them to land one on their big rivals, and do the double again. I just think it will be a draw with a few goals in."
David Prutton's prediction: Cardiff City 2-2 Swansea City
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