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Ian Mitchelmore

Swansea City transfer news as Wigan lead race for Leeds United striker and Ogbene talks latest

Your Swansea City headlines on Tuesday, January 10.

Latics linked with Gelhardt

Wigan Athletic have been linked with a move for Swansea transfer target Joe Gelhardt.

The Swans are determined to bolster their forward options this month and have identified Leeds United's Gelhardt as a possible loan option.

READ MORE: Swansea City transfer news as stance revealed on Leeds United attacker and star gives frank apology after Bristol City mistake

However, the Whites are only likely to sanction a temporary exit if they can recruit Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim. The Swans are understood to be one of a number of clubs monitoring the 20-year-old's availability at present.

Reports suggest Championship rivals Wigan are among the clutch of clubs who are exploring the option of signing Gelhardt in January.

Indeed, the striker started his professional career with the Latics before joining Leeds on a permanent deal in 2020. And it appears as though Kolo Toure's side are currently the frontrunners to clinch a deal to sign Gelhardt - who has made 17 senior appearances in all competitions under Jesse Marsch this term.

Millers contract latest

Matt Taylor says a host of players including Swansea transfer target Chiedozie Ogbene are not interested in signing a new contract with Rotherham United at present.

The Millers are expecting to be heavily active in the January transfer window, although a number of their key players see their current deals expire in the summer.

Ogbene is a huge admirer of the Swans - who have made the Republic of Ireland attacker their number one target for the winter window.

And Rotherham boss Taylor says Ogbene is among a clutch of players who is currently keeping his options open with three weeks left of the window.

"The other players have been open with us in their communications and dialogue," he said in a press conference.

"But there's no interest from those players at this moment in time to sign those contracts.

"They are keeping their options open and we want to keep ours as well in terms of how we use that money elsewhere or keep that offer going depending on the player in question."

Obafemi and Paterson hint offered

Russell Martin says Swansea are not reliant on selling Michael Obafemi and Jamie Paterson to bring in their desired transfer targets this month.

Both Obafemi and Paterson have been omitted from each of the last three Swansea matchday squads and are widely expected to depart south Wales before the 11pm transfer deadline on Tuesday, January 31.

However, Martin has re-iterated that, while admitting additional funds will help, Swansea are not dependant on offloading any of their star players to bring in new recruits.

"I don't think we need them to move on to strengthen the squad," he said of Obafemi and Paterson. "I think it'll help, but it's not a case of moving one out to move one in. Josh [Marsh] and Julian [Winter] are working really hard with the ownership to try and make things happen.

"Things tend to drag in January longer than maybe they would in the summer or need to or should. It's all part of the game. It's really complex and it's difficult but we'll just have to wait and see."

Obafemi is understood to have attracted interest from a number of Championship clubs, with league leaders Burnley among those who are monitoring the Republic of Ireland international's situation.

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Defender update emerges

Ben Cabango was withdrawn at half-time of the FA Cup third round draw with Bristol City as a precautionary measure, Russell Martin has revealed.

The defender played the opening 45 minutes in the 1-1 draw with the Robins, although he had to be replaced by Harry Darling at half-time.

But Martin is confident that the Wales star will be available for the clash with Sunderland this weekend having been substituted at Ashton Gate due to the minor leg issue.

"He slipped early on in the first-half and he just felt something," said the head coach. "To be fair, we were going to get all three of them (Cabango, Darling and Nathan Wood) on the pitch at some point today, that was the plan.

"Harry had just come back in the team and played in quick succession, he hasn't done that for a while so it was a good chance to put Woody in.

"I think he'll be fine. There was no point in taking any risks."

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