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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Russell Martin issues free transfer response and offers big contract hints as Swansea City get double Sheffield United boost

Russell Martin admits his openness in the aftermath Swansea City's frustrating January transfer window can benefit the club in the long term.

The head coach made no secret of his disappointment with the club's lack of activity in the winter window - with Swansea failing to sign a single player last month.

And after the 4-3 defeat to Birmingham City last weekend, Martin admitted he had never felt so low while also stating he was prepared to deal with the fallout from his explosive pre-game press conference.

READ MORE: Club's five attempts to sign star and sublime solo goals — what next for Swansea City's loan men

But ahead of the trip to Sheffield United, Martin revealed the club were now exploring the possibility of tying key players, including Ryan Manning, Joel Piroe, Joel Latibeaudiere, Jay Fulton and Steven Benda, down to longer contracts.

"Of course, that’s the term I'd use, we’ve moved on," he said when asked on the outcome of his talks with the club's ownership this week.

"Everyone agrees, we’ll try and do things a bit differently and try and improve on what we've done. Ultimately I think it’ll turn out to be a positive for the club. Everyone's been really honest with each other, it's all you can ever ask for. We’re moving on and focusing on getting some stuff done here at the club.

"Josh (Marsh) has been in some positive talks with some our players' agents. From it there’s come some positive stuff and some positive actions."

However, Martin admitted the club were not expecting to add any free agents to their squad in the near future.

"I think we’re still getting sent players but it’s assessing the need we have and not just bringing players in for the sake of it," explained the head coach. "At this minute in time there’s nothing going on with that."

Take our Swansea City transfer window poll below - or click here

Meanwhile, the Swans have been handed a significant boost ahead of their clash with Sheffield United as Liam Walsh and Joe Allen are both set to be included in the visitors' matchday squad at Bramall Lane.

Walsh is yet to play at senior level this season after rupturing his Achilles in pre-season while Allen was unavailable for the game against Birmingham last weekend after sustaining a knock in training.

But both players will travel to south Yorkshire, although the game will come too soon for Joel Latibeaudiere who misses out with a calf injury.

It leaves Kyle Naughton and Matty Sorinola as the obvious candidates to operate at right-back against the Blades this weekend.

"We have Naughts, we have Matty Sorinola who can play there as well," added Martin. "Matty has predominantly been a full-back during his career.

"Naughts is an outstanding footballer, wherever he plays he can help the team. Lats is a big miss because of his intensity. Whichever one plays we’ll be more than happy with."

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