Swansea City have sold their star forward to Leeds United in what is being suggested as a near twelve million pounds deal. He has signed a four year contract at Elland Road. It doesn’t come as any surprise as we have monitored the clubs who have been interested in the Dutchman all summer.
With Southampton allegedly readying themselves to take both Piroe and Nathan Wood to the south coast yesterday morning news of Piroe leaving the training ground for his Leeds medical circulated. We have since learned that Southampton’s initial bid was rejected ( confirmed by Swans head coach Michael Duff ) who cleverly batted away Southampton’s interest in his pre match press conference. The interesting part of the Southampton bid is Duff wasn’t pressed ( as he should have been ) if the bid was just for Nathan Wood or both players.
On the championship game between the Lilywhites and the Swans - that believe it or not goes ahead tomorrow afternoon at Deepdale ( kick off 3pm ) There’s been so much to take in this week it’s a pleasure to report on that fixture for sure. Duff has pretty much no worries bar what he described as an ‘illness’ reported by Josh Ginnelly. The twenty six year old announced himself in some style with a worldie shot and goal against Northampton in the League Cup recently. That was the last time Piroe scored for the Swans having failed to register in his three league starts this season. He has looked off the pace over those three league games, either finding the increased demand for him to work harder in a newly structured Duff side difficult, or sidetracked by those close to him advising him of clubs interested. Either way he has gone, and as we always do, we move on.
The Swans now have their number one goal scorer Jerry Yates, who has already bagged two goals in the league this season available for the trip to Preston. They will welcome the ex Blackpool man with open arms we are certain. Whether Duff see’s Mykola Kukharevych, a recent signing from Troyes as match ready remains to be seen, he did though score for the under 21 side against Crewe Alexandra on Monday. Preston will be a completely different proposition. Nathan Tjoe-A-On is available for selection as well but both his and Mykola’s fitness is still being worked on by the Swans. If fit we expect Ginnelly to play an advanced role in behind Jerry Yates. Despite being knocked out of the League a cup by Salford the Lillywhites have amassed seven points from their three opening games. They have spread the goals around and sit sixth in the championship with a plus two goal difference.
Jerry Yates : The ex Blackpool man will get a rough reception tomorrow
Nathan Wood is expected to travel with the squad despite interest from Southampton, and unless something dramatic occurs this morning he will board the team coach later today. Matt Grimes will lead the side out at Deepdale with the Swans looking to register their first win of the season at the fourth attempt.
Ali McCan Is back available for selection as Preston boss Ryan Lowe has few injury issues. Robbie Brady is still out injured as is Ben Whiteman. Swansea City fans can now pay on the day by card and cash at the ticket office in the Bill Shankly away stand.