Serie A giants Atalanta and Championship rivals Leicester City have both stepped up efforts to sign Swansea City's Joel Piroe this week.
WalesOnline had previously reported that a side near the top of the Italian league had taken a serious interest in the Dutchman, and it can now be revealed that it's the Bergamo club who are in the race.
Both Atalanta and the newly-relegated Foxes are believed to have made contact with Piroe's representatives this week to discuss the possibility of a move this summer, with the striker looking increasingly likely to leave south Wales before the close of the window.
READ MORE: Leeds United joining the crowded Joel Piroe race gives Swansea City exactly what they want
Southampton, who recently installed Russell Martin as their new boss, are also believed to be keeping tabs on the situation, while Nottingham Forest are another to have previous made an enquiry.
There had previously been a suggestion of a possible swap deal with Everton, which would have seen striker Ellis Simms head to SA1, but he has now joined fellow Championship side Coventry City. It's not quite clear if such an arrangement was ever really on the table, but the Toffees have certainly shown an interest in Piroe this summer.
Leeds United are one of the most recent sides to have been mentioned this week, although at the time of writing seemingly yet to come to the table.
After netting an impressive 41 goals in two seasons with the Swans, Piroe's stock is clearly very high, and given he currently looks unlikely to sign an extension to his current deal, which runs out next summer, a sale feels increasingly inevitable.
Losing his top scorer would clearly be a big blow to boss Michael Duff, who's so far played suggestions of an exit with a straight bat.
“I had some good conversations with Joel at our training camp in Spain last week and he was asking about detail what I want from him," he said.
“Until anything changes we will keep on having those conversations. If he goes, he goes, and if he doesn’t he stays – it is not personal, it’s football.
“I understand he’s the big name at the club and only has a year left on his contract. There will be plans in place in terms of the way we play if he stays, and plans for if he goes.”
If he does depart, it's likely the current level of interest will be welcomed by the Swans hierarchy, who will understandably be keen on getting the highest possible price this summer.
It's unlikely they will get anywhere close to the £20m price tag slapped on him last summer, but they will nevertheless be hoping to get a fee significant enough to provide Duff with funds to help reshape his squad.
