We talked about the potential for Hannes Wolf to remain at Swansea City some while back, it definitely now seems it will be discussed at least. Swans boss Russell Martin has confirmed that he hopes some progress can be made on potentially retaining the Borussia Mönchengladbach utility player next season.

It will come at a cost, and that cost has to be weighed up against next seasons budget. The funds won’t be a huge amount, but of course could be massively boosted if the club choose to yet again sell on their prized assets. That would immediately bring into question the real intent of the club to stand alongside Russell Martin in his desire to take Swansea City back to the premier league. Yes, it would release a mass of funds, but it seems strange that they would do so after the explanations of rebuilding we have had over the past eight months. To sell when you are rebuilding, especially players who are an important part of the process seems flawed.

We can only hope this doesn’t materialise.

On Wolf the swans boss seemed very happy with him when he was discussed after the Barnsley game yet again. "He is loving it here and he has done great for us in two roles. He's just ended up playing there [wing-back] because he's done so well, and he's stayed there. I think it's a role that really suits him. He's at the top end of the pitch where he wants to be and he's really effective.

"He said to me, when he's played wing-back before, he hasn't enjoyed it, but this doesn't feel like wing-back to him. He can do both sides of the game because he's a brilliant pro and athletically he's outstanding. He's been really good. The only reason we got him was because of the style of play and we were able to convince him that whether he played inside or outside the shape, it would really suit him. Thankfully that's been the case."

We are certain Russell Martin would jump at the chance to retain his services, however it would be another squad place taken up by a player who has shown only glimpses of his pedigree. The big question remains is Hannes Wolf capable of being a major part of next season ? The cash it would require and the dent in the budget it would take is a huge gamble for the club.

Russell Martin’s first real conundrum is not too far away.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

glanmORJa_k added 11:54 - Apr 17 We have been accustomed to having players sold to provide funds for player recruitment and as far as I can see there will be no change to the way our owners operate. The problem I foresee is getting anything around £10M for Piroe or Downes to fund a budget for replacements let alone provide the wages Christie and Wolf will demand. We are told both players have taken a wage decrease to arrive on loan but when permanent contracts are being chased I have no doubt other clubs will be interested.

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ReslovenSwan1 added 12:54 - Apr 17 Martin has been very good at identiying lower league prospects. Downes being one. The jury out on Fisher. O'Reilly has been a revelation at Celtic. It is worrying he is focused on the loan for Wolf. This either means he does not have other targets like Downes and O'Reiily or Swansea will not have any cash to spend on fees. It will be a buyers market in the Summer. Having players like Rhys Williams and Burns looks bad business to me. Cardiff got Doyle who has been great for them and Swansea Burns who has barely featured

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