The deal to take Russell Martin and four of his Swansea City staff to Southampton is edging closer. We have been told that despite the deadlines of Thursday and Friday this week they will come and go - but things are progressing. Any deal which is announced today would have seen some remarkable progress overnight.

Time differences taken into consideration.

This should now mean any breach of contract will not occur and the two sides can sign and seal Martin’s move along with Ben Parker, Matt Willmott, Dean Thornton, and Matt Gill. The latter will take up a position of assistant to Martin at St Mary’s. Both the Swans and Southampton have been negotiating over Martin’s actual status when he eventually signs on at the south coast of England club. However, it now seems likely some form of agreement is close. Despite opinions to the contrary Martin is also keen to see at least one player sign for Southampton from Swansea City.

If we were to take a calculated guess on that then Matt Grimes would be that player.

We have also learned that the Swans are now in a position to forward their plans for a manager and ‘as it stands’ the candidates are all UK based. With the loss of so many staff from Swansea the new manager will have to have a good idea of his backroom staff, and it has to be said to find so many out of contract in the short term will be extremely difficult. No matter who the new man is and whoever else comes with him either immediately or in time compensation will surely have to be paid ? Suggestions yesterday were that Chris Davies was a favourite of the Swans majority ownership but he is now being mentioned in other circles for a supporting role at Spurs.

Financially Swansea City won’t be able to match any salary they offer him.

Once again we are left with making a call on reporting what we have learned or letting matters reveal themselves via other outlets. On this occasion we feel it right to report what we know. It’s a tough one with a variety of people always waiting to question any decision like this but we have had the go ahead to mention this today, so here it is.

Regardless of this ongoing saga, and that’s what it has been we can only hope it sorts itself out quickly and by the end of next week we get positive news on who will guide the Swans for the next championship campaign.

**Update : Steve Cotterill is not on the preferred candidate list.

Photographs licensed from Reuters