Russell Martin has no choice it seems than to look deeper in to the loan market with MK Dons players Andrew Fisher and Matt O’Riley being priced out of transfers to Swansea City. Despite terms and all the basics being in place for Fisher at least, it seems MK Dons are holding firm on the fees they want.

Russell Martin has yet to see any players come in this January, and also players on bigger contracts, despite some decent offers are reluctant to step down a league or leave the swans for less money. Jay Fulton is one of those who signed an estimated £11,500 a week contract a year ago that runs to 2024. Finding a club willing to equal that money is proving difficult despite the fact two clubs have had discussions with him. One from Scotland. When it came down to money nothing near his forty five thousand pounds a month came close. Nothing is stopping him digging his heels in and sitting out this season.

The Matt O’Riley situation is the most alarming as both clubs have agreed a fee, but for some reason it has been placed on hold. Our sources are clear both player and the swans have agreed terms. But there’s a stumbling block on payments.

However, as we have reported and Russell Martin has confirmed he is one of a few players who are not in his plans. We have also reported that Martin has been firm with Fulton stating he won’t feature in his long term plans since September. Martin has stated on three occasions now he has players who he has spoken directly to - and both sides agreed to move clubs is for the best. Fulton’s inclusion on the bench on Saturday was obviously down to Covid issues and fitness. As was Yan Dhanda, both came on to little effect against Southampton. But with nigh on forty five thousand pounds a month dropping in to his bank account for not playing football Fulton seems to be holding the cards.

Ryan Giles and Marc Leonard
This means Russell Martin is keen to get certain positions filled this week. The only real way he can do this is via the loan market as it seems the swans are finding cash hard to come by with Dhanda and Fulton hanging around and Rhys Williams as it stands not being recalled by Liverpool.

Another player linked by other news agencies is Ryan Giles who has been recalled by Wolves from Cardiff. We are pretty certain he hasn’t been recalled to join the swans, but speculation is he is of interest. Utility player Marc Leonard at Brighton has resurfaced as well. The ex Hearts player is keen to seek out a loan move. Leonard, who has appeared for Scotland Under-19s on a number of occasions, revealed in 2019 that he left Hearts due to the style of play which he didn't feel suited him. Leonard said: "I really liked Craig Levein. He was director of football and was fantastic with all of us. We all respected him. As soon as I made the step up it was more about results and the style of play changed. I'm not sure the style suited me. As a midfielder, it wasn't what I wanted my game based around. I just didn't feel I was involved as much as I could have been within that style of play at Hearts.” Swansea City’s interest in Leonard dwindled last year when he signed a one year extension on his contract keeping him at Brighton until summer 2023.

Giles would be more suited to Martin’s formation and supplies a very decent assist rate. His goal return for a midfielder is not so impressive. Since 2018 he has spent loan spells at numerous other clubs below Swansea City’s level.

We also know that Swansea are keen to engage properly with Chelsea over two of their players currently at Coventry, and as we reported - and was reported elsewhere it’s a very slow process getting engagement. More inquiries we are certain will be made this week. It’s nit as if the hard work being done by Mark Allen and co is going unrewarded but it is getting harder and harder to engage and arrange players this month. That is of course unless you have a fistful of cash in your hands, which Swansea City after forking out a generous amount of money pre season just don’t have.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

ReslovenSwan1 added 15:59 - Jan 10 Brandon Cooper, Dan Williams, Ben Cabango are not getting game time. At their age they should be. I watch Rhys Willaims and he does not bring anything extra to the table. why is he still at the club?
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