Swansea City are aiming to raise funds through player exits in a bid to further bolster their squad ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The Swans have already added Nathan Wood, Harry Darling and Matty Sorinola to their ranks this summer, but it appears unlikely they will be able to do much more business until there are departures from the club. Flynn Downes and Joel Piroe are the most likely to be sold for hefty sums while the club hope players including Ryan Bennett, Jay Fulton and Liam Walsh can be offloaded.
Having already significantly bolstered their defensive options, Russell Martin is now eager to address the tricky midfield situation.
Swansea remain keen to sign Joe Allen this summer following his release from Stoke City. The Welshman is currently on holiday in Spain and has a number of options on the table at present, particularly at Championship level.
He is keen to hit the ground running as soon as he returns from his break, meaning a lengthy transfer saga is unlikely this summer. It's very possible that his situation could be resolved by mid-July.
It's also understood Downes is attracting plenty of transfer interest, with Southampton, Wolves and Crystal Palace all making enquiries regarding the 23-year-old. Head coach Martin would be loath to lose the former Ipswich Town man given his prominent role within his side.
The club's owners would want a sum of around £11m to £12m for the Englishman, although they may feel the need to sell for less given they are keen to plug a financial hole. Indeed, exits would accelerate Swansea's remaining transfer business which would no doubt be a huge plus to Martin and his fellow coaching staff ahead of a bumper schedule before the next international break in October.
It's understood the Swans have received tentative enquiries for Walsh and Fulton, with a League One club showing an interest in the former while sides abroad have asked about the latter. However, nothing has materialised from those low-level talks, but both players are aware they will not feature prominently under the current coaching staff.
Concerns over Downes' future have led to links with David Kasumu. The 22-year-old's contract at MK Dons is on the brink of expiring, and he is yet to sign the new deal offered to him.
“Nothing has changed - we've made him an offer but we're getting to the stage now where we're planning without him,” said boss Liam Manning, as quoted by the MK Citizen. “As it stands, I'm working as if he's not here.
“It's part of football. My priority will always be the team, and what the team needs. We have to have people who are all-in. We can't carry people who are 80 per cent in.
“Through good times or bad, people who are unsure can be harmful. We're creating a group of players who are fully committed to the club.”
However, a senior recruitment source at the Swansea.com Stadium has told WalesOnline that Kasumu is not a target, adding they do not expect to sign any more players from Martin's former club MK Dons.
There is, of course, the possibility this situation evolves given the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Downes, Allen, Walsh and Fulton, but, as things stand, it appears as though the Swans' waiting game will continue for the short term at least as Martin continues to work with his players at Fairwood ahead of the Championship opener at Rotherham United on July 30.
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