Everybody wants the news and in some cases will do anything possible to find out even seconds before it is news. Knowing something is one thing, earning the right to state you found it first is another. If it happens it happens, if it doesn’t then really what’s the issue ?

If you are new here then please sign up to our forum and website, all manner of conversations occur, and now and again we drop in what we can to guide people to reach their own conclusions. Of course it’s football writing that we pride ourselves in, most get it, a few don’t, but we always leave people with things resonating in their minds. We explore the facts and as you will read in this feature, we add context.

And more people learn about the brain tumour charity as well.

Before we get stuck in and we will be careful here. You know you read things about links and players moving clubs or whatever ? Well, some ‘people’ close to players actually try at times to sell that info. Yes it’s true ! Pick yourself off the floor, dust yourself down and have a cold glass of water. Of course it is rare, as we have found out at the Indy. Generally those who want exposure for their clients or have a specific interest are just happy for a connected website or social media account to give that. Knowing about a big move is gold dust to some accounts, it is an earner for them and of course boosts their credibility. Attempts to get a player on the minds of other clubs is the end game of course. And if we are all honest, half or even more of the players you read about, especially young players at Premier League clubs are often unheard of outside of their own area.

If we started on about the differences between, hearsay, unqualified and potential rumour, inquiries, interest or speculation we wouldn’t get started today. So here we go.

⚽️ Harry Darling : The name on everyone’s lips, and the Swans are in a game of cat and mouse with a host of clubs. Yes, there is truth in the disclosure there has been a conversation with Harry’s representatives. The most constructive of course ended in a contract offer a few weeks back. Since then a decision has been made on Harry’s side to collect all the information possible on other clubs interested, then have dialogue before a decision is made. And that decision is yet to come, somewhat annoyingly. The Swans have requested that Harry gives the club an answer for no other reason than other players need to be sourced. And not only that - players that compliment each other as new incomings, or those that are already contracted. Sheehan is looking for a catenaccio approach this season, but with a cleaner and far quicker break from defence. To remain solid at the back when on the offensive is key. It isn’t about protecting a lead or a result, it’s more about fluidity. To get there you need more than a door bolt on everything, you need to press hard and create.

That’s what the new head coach wants.

If you are looking for one centre half then okay, but the Swans as we have always stated want two. It doesn’t end there though, Sporting Director, Richard Montague wants choices and good ones, not just two options. We’ve seen the ‘eggs in one basket’ approach too many times at Swansea City. If Harry stays that could be one in with a utility type defender like Hannes Delcroix. On him no decision or real talk has occurred with Burnley as yet, he is keen to join the squad on a three year contract. The issue will always be his fee and his remuneration. We have been told the Swans are interested, but those numbers could well be the issue.

They haven’t moved on Delcroix to date.

Harry’s agent has had dialogue with four clubs directly that we can ascertain, the two obvious are Wrexham and Birmingham City. And despite reports that has occurred albeit informally. The relegated sides from the Premier League are all looking at him, as we have already reported. There has been nothing of real substance thereafter, but it’s a fact he is on their radar. All of these relegated clubs have money that can easily compete with the throwaway promotion dollars that both Wrexham and Birmingham City have. Any club who can think about £185,000 a month as Wrexham are for Tom Cairney at Fulham, and that’s before bonuses is a club very few, if any Championship club can compete with. For a thirty four year old …

⚽️ Lewis O’Brien : First off his better half enjoyed her time in Swansea, it is a city she really liked, so her hating the area can now be put to bed. That is simply untrue. However, wanting to be somewhere for a long period of time with a new baby is another thing altogether. Family assistance, disruption, a new house (or a Swansea club apartment) etc will all come into play. The Swans went above and beyond to secure Lewis and to accommodate everything that would make him comfortable for what was a brief time at the club. His wife, Robyn joined him some while afterwards once their daughter was born, and this could well prove to be the sticking point. Both his wife and daughter, Olive are starting out on a huge change in their lives. The O’Brien’s got married a year ago, they will both be looking for security, and in the right location.

The big question is are the Swans in for Lewis ?

The answer is a very big yes. Rest assured for the right player the club will extend their reach financially to get who they want. Again, if it comes to a financial race then other clubs will win hands down, and this is the biggest contract Lewis will sign at a very crucial time in his career. All we know on this is that Swansea City will consider going to a seven figure amount to secure him and contract him. The club have provided him with an insight into what it is like to live in a beautiful part of the country with great access to the coast. Nottingham Forest, we understand will listen to serious offers from this week. Anything else you have heard is speculation, now is the time for action.

This year has made the transfer window look silly, well, the dates when things can happen at least. By now the vast majority of people will know the worlds worst kept football secret is that agents, players, clubs and even very influential people can determine a players choices. This at any time throughout the year. That’s even happened at the Swans of late, to an extent. There will be two loans in at Swansea if everything goes right this summer, but unlike twelve months ago the club are looking at recruitment in a very different way. If you recall the Swans were linked with Kaide Gordon from Liverpool ten months ago. He eventually moved to first Norwich City then to Portsmouth - and really didn’t have the best of times. The same goes for another Liverpool player, Rio Ngumoha who is on the look out for Championship experience next season, this after recovering from injury. The Swans don’t want to become another la masia for other teams, but then, now and again you do get a Marc Guehi. So, loans will come in.

We will have a centre half update as soon as we get our information squared off, in the meantime the Swans have a new assistant head coach, Darren O'Dea. This month he will be looking to settle in the Swansea area, he has children so it’s a big move for him. He has been ‘abroad’ though, he played for Toronto. We are certain Alan Sheehan will have plenty to say about Darren who he first met playing youth football for the Republic Of Ireland.

As much as we can we will keep you updated on the Indy.

Photographs : lovefrancescaphoto & open source