After a busy day getting the finer details of Andrew Fisher signing from MK Dons the swans were hit with a real conundrum yesterday when a loan offer came in for Michael Obafemi. We also hear that a discussion took place between the swans and Liverpool regards Rhys Williams.
The Obafemi inquiry isn’t surprising, he has struggled to settle in west Wales and has had numerous disciplinary issues with Russell Martin. Despite Martin’s recent public praise of the player he continues to find the daily training schedules and demands as a swans player difficult to take on board. Having stepped down from the premier league to the championship in to a regime that demands discipline, understanding and a group mentality it seems this particular loan offer could suit the swans.
As we always say, cards on the table, who that club is we don’t know. That’s as of this morning. The transfer window being an ever fluctuating daily grind we may well be exposed to some information later today. Here is an example. When we ‘ exclusively’ reported with Wales on Line ( think for a second ) that Andrew Fisher was a serious Swansea target back in November we had to rely on very confidential sources. We has to pick our words carefully. Ours couldn’t have been more closer to Andrew Fisher. Those sources knew he was desperate to join Swansea, and fair play they chose their news source well, it was Swansea Independent. We have what we have today. A new goalkeeper.
Even though on Sunday morning, after a few chats it seemed that MK Dons and the swans were quite a way away from their pricing of the twenty three year old. MK wanted 600k, the swans said 300k, it seems an agreement in between was met. This has been ongoing for weeks.Those that read our reports will know this.It’s really not about up front cash these days as most of us know. It’s about the payments, when they will happen, and over how long a period. Remember Joe Rodon’s money is still filtering through to SA1. Of course the add ons scenario is a modern day thing.
Andrew Fisher spent his first night in Swansea yesterday and wakes up today for a full medical after the basics were done yesterday. We make a call on what we have to report, and we would like to think you appreciate it.
On the Manchester City front Mark Allen has worked tirelessly on two loan moves. One seems some way away but the other is more than close. The obvious name is Tommy Doyle who has returned from Hamburg after a pretty unsuccessful loan spell. However, again it’s not confirmed. Martin is desperate for an attacking defender which is why we beleive Joshua Wilson-Esbrand has become his favoured signing. If he was to be offered one from James McAtee, Tommy Doyle and Joshua Wilson-Esbrand he most certainly would go for the latter. With Ethan Laird gone he does have concerns at wing back, albeit Joshua Wilson-Esbrand prefers the left sided position. With Jake Bidwell out of favour we don’t rule that out. Things will develop quickly on this we are certain. The inquiry with Chelsea before the weekend may well have had a smack of desperation about it, but January isn’t just about January.
And let’s not forget young Finley Burns. For us it makes sense that if the swans were to take two Manchester City players on loan at such a young age then two would work well.
We also hear that Russell Martin is pretty keen to see Liverpool defender Rhys Williams return to Anfield from his loan spell. Again not unlike Yan Dhanda and Jay Fulton his loss of salary would free up more options. Rhys is keen to stay at Swansea and prove himself to the swans manager but it’s a huge gamble based on his recent performances. To return him does have cost implications for Swansea, to have him recalled does not.
If you would like us to make a call based on what we have today ( but please remember it’s today not tomorrow ) then Jake Bidwell, Yan Dhanda, Jay Fulton, Steven Benda and Rhys Williams are Martin’s preferred outs. If the Obafemi option comes off then Liam Cullen could well be back up striker to whoever comes into replace Obafemi. And that will most certainly happen. As we said yesterday there’s twenty more days to go in this transfer window, all we are trying to do is cross the T’s and dot the I’s.
More news as we get it.