Chairman Looks For Busy Time

The closure of the transfer window next week is likely to spark activity in the Swansea camp as Roberto Martinez looks to put the final pieces in his jigsaw for the coming season.

And his Chairman, Huw Jenkins, believes that at the top end of that list of pieces is the need for a striker although there is every chance that a defender and goalkeeper could be added as well - possibly even on top of Barcelona B defender Josue Fernandez.

Martinez has been one striker down since the £1m deal for Lee Trundle was concluded last month and also the departure of Willy Gueret to Franchise FC has left him a goalkeeper light. Many people also point out the need for a "no nonsense" defender meaning that Roberto could be hanging out the welcome bunting on more than one occasion in the next week or so.

"Roberto has made it clear he wants to strengthen the forward line and it's no secret that he's after a centre-half," Jenkins told the Evening Post

"But I think the fact that Garry Monk has come back and done well after injury has given him a bit of food for thought at the back so we'll have to see what happens there.

"A striker is our priority at the moment, and over the next few days we will be making every effort to make sure we get one in.

"As is the case in January, prices are higher and wages are higher right now because of the deadline

"We've been caught out at this stage before and we're not going to make that mistake again.

"Obviously there are a lot of clubs looking for players and prices spiral as a result, so we'll just have to see what happens over the next week.

"Roberto is looking at home and abroad and I'm confident we'll see a striker coming in."

The names of both John Hartson and Dave Cotterill have been linked with the striking berth at Swansea whilst Darren Moore and Sam Sodje have both been rumoured in a defensive role. Hartson was effectively ruled out earlier this week by the club whilst Jenkins says that the name of Cotterill has "not been mentioned" Sodje is reported to be on his way to Sheffield Wednesday whilst Moore appears to be priced out of a move to the Liberty through his wage demands.

Hibs defender Rob Jones is another whom the press have linked with a move but the Chairman says "His salary and value are a bit beyond the way we see them.

"At the moment we're waiting to see how Roberto feels regarding a centre-back."

"Obviously we need a back-up goalkeeper and Roberto is working to make sure we get the right one," he added.

"But we still have the loan market to work in on that one if we need to, so there's not such a rush."

The Swans go into Saturday's game at Walsall seeking their first league win of the season but with two good performances behind them. Whether there will be new faces ahead of the weekend remains to be seen but it does appear to be evident that by the time Doncaster visit the Liberty in a little over a weeks time there will be some new faces to support.

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