Your Swansea City headlines on Friday, October 28.
Obafemi addresses Burnley interest and reveals goal target
Michael Obafemi thanked Russell Martin for his man management following interest from Burnley during the summer transfer window.
The Swans rejected numerous bids from the Clarets for the Republic of Ireland international - who was subsequently omitted from the matchday squads against Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield United.
He has since been re-integrated into the side and has played a key role in Swansea's surge up the Championship table. And Obafemi has opened up on the talks he held with head coach Martin at a point where Vincent Kompany's side showed strong interest in the frontman.
“Obviously it was a difficult situation but I spoke to Russ, I spoke to Jake [Silverstein, club director] and ultimately the best thing for me was to be here," he explained.
“I was out of the team which was a bit annoying and I was frustrated by that but I just wanted to work hard and help the team out. I know what I can do with my ability so I just wanted to make sure I could apply that with the team and help them win games.
“Russell’s helped me out a lot, his man management has been amazing. Sometimes I think it’s a bit harsh in the moment but he’s been absolutely amazing. He knows the way I work and I know the way he works now, so we’ve got a brilliant relationship.
“For me, it’s massive. If I feel welcomed in and we have a good connection, I feel that’s the way to get the best out of me. We’ve definitely got a good relationship.”
Obafemi netted his third goal of the campaign as Swansea beat local rivals Cardiff City 2-0 on Sunday. All but one of his 12 Championship strikes last term came from February onwards, and the 22-year-old revealed he is targeting at least 20 goals this season.
"Twenty-plus," he said when asked about his goal-scoring target for the season. "I feel like last year, if I was on it before the new year, I think I would have got it. Obviously I had that transition period. I just want to be able to go straight in and hit the ground running."
READ MORE: Ollie Cooper signs long-term Swansea City contract as youngster's transformation revealed
Cooper's contract delight
Ollie Cooper says his new Swansea contract capped off what has been a memorable week following his goal-scoring exploits in the South Wales derby.
The academy product netted his third goal of the campaign as the hosts beat the Bluebirds 2-0 at the Swansea.com Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Just five days after that triumph, Cooper signed a new long-term deal with Swansea to remain at the club until the summer of 2027.
“I am over the moon to get it sorted. It’s been one hell of a week, to score against Cardiff and now to top it off with a new deal to ensure I am staying here until 2027 is massive,” he told the club website.
“There is always room to grow and improve. I am working hard with the staff, who have really helped me develop and improve game by game. I am excited to see where it goes.
“It is great to have the security of knowing I can continue to play and develop here. I think it will allow me to improve and kick on and progress.
“I feel I am in such a good environment and at such a good club. At the moment I am just looking forward to everything that is coming up.
“When things are going as they are at the moment you just want to be on the pitch as much as possible.”
Friendlies arranged
Swansea will play Rangers and Hearts during the World Cup break.
Russell Martin's men face Huddersfield Town at The John Smith's Stadium on Saturday, November 12 before the Championship schedule is halted for a month owing to the tournament in Qatar.
Those in the Swansea squad who are not involved in the global showpiece will be given a period of time off before the Swans head to Scotland for a mini training camp in late November.
And it has been confirmed that the Swans will face Scottish Premiership duo Hearts and Rangers in behind-closed-doors friendlies in a bid to maintain peak match fitness ahead of their Championship contest with Norwich City in south Wales on December 10.
Prutton's prediction
David Prutton expects Swansea to continue their rich vein of form by beating Bristol City this weekend.
The Swans head to Ashton Gate having won six of their last seven matches to occupy fourth spot in the Championship table. And following their 2-0 triumph over Cardiff City on Sunday, Prutton believes Russell Martin's men will leave Bristol with all three points on Saturday afternoon.
"Bristol City just cannot get any consistency going," he wrote on Sky Sports. "They follow up a great win at West Brom with a disappointing defeat at Reading. It is why they find themselves where they are.
"Swansea, meanwhile, are flying at the minute. They will be riding high after their derby-day win over Cardiff. I will back them to claim another victory here."
Prutton's prediction: Bristol City 0-1 Swansea City
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