Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City news for Monday, May 16.
Swans keen on Ogbene
Swansea City have shown an interest in Rotherham United's Chiedozie Ogbene, but there are already doubts over whether a move will happen this summer.
Sources have have claimed that Swans boss Russell Martin is an admirer of the winger, who can also play as a right-back and is out of contract with the Millers this summer. The Nigerian-born forward was an ever-present member of Paul Warne's first team plans last term, netting three goals and earning 11 assists in 53 games in all competitions.
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Ogbene also has three caps for the Republic of Ireland to his name, having made his debut last June, and his talents are likely to attract a number of suitors.
Swansea are likely to be on the lookout for further options out wide in this window, and WalesOnline has been told that Martin is keen to bring him to south Wales. However, it's understood Rotherham are highly likely to trigger an option for another year, which may yet prove a big stumbling block.
Indeed, Martin is unlikely to have much in the way of a transfer kitty in this window, and the Millers triggering the option for another year means the Swans would likely require a fee to land the 25-year-old, which in turn could rule them out of the running.
Forest Christie links dismissed
Nottingham Forest aren't in the running to sign Cyrus Christie this summer, according to reports.
The wing-back is set to become a free agent at Fulham following a highly successful loan spell during the second half of last season with Swansea City, who would clearly like to keep him in SA1.
It's understood the player himself holds some enthusiasm for a move back, but there doesn't appear to be anything imminent from the Swans in terms of a tangible offer at this stage.
There had been reports over the weekend that Championship side Nottingham Forest, bidding for promotion via the play-offs this month, were ready to steal a march on his signature, but those suggestions have been dismissed by Guardian journalist Will Unwin, who tweeted: "Absolutely nothing in rumours linking Cyrus Christie to Forest".
Downes hails Grimes influence
Swansea City midfielder Flynn Downes has hailed the influence of captain Matt Grimes, declaring the skipper to be best he's ever played with.
Downes, who arrived at the Swansea.com in a £1.5m move from Ipswich last summer, has emerged as a key part of boss Russell Martin's plans, with his good form prompting links with Leeds United recently. But for now,
“He is the best midfielder I’ve ever played with and that speaks for itself,” Downes told the club's official website.
“I love playing with him. He makes it so easy for me. I just have to do the basics and give him the ball because he’ll do the rest.
“He’s unbelievable on the ball and he’s got all the attributes. I’m just learning a lot from him.
“Every day he’s on it. There hasn’t been a training session where I’ve thought ‘he was a bit off it today’.
“He’s played every league minute this year, which is crazy, but that’s just testament to what a pro he is. On the pitch, it’s just everything he does when you watch him play.
“He’s so consistent every week and that’s something I want to add to my game.”
Latibeaudiere in line for Jamaica call
Joel Latibeaudiere is poised for a call-up to the latest Jamaica squad this summer.
The former Manchester City starlet was previously a member of the England side that claimed the under-17s World Cup in 2017 under Steve Cooper, who later brought the defender with him to the Swans in October 2020. He has since enjoyed a rich run of form under Cooper's successor Russell Martin, showing his versatility in a number of positions over the last campaign.
The 22-year-old played in the same young Three Lions side as Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, Callum Hudson-Odoi, but he could now switch allegiances, having seemingly caught the eye of Jamaica boss Paul Hall. The Reggae Boyz have a home and away tie with Suriname in the CONCACAF Nations League this summer, before taking on Uruguay in a friendly.
They then end their summer schedule with another Nations League clash with Mexico on June 15.
