Swansea City are poised to confirm experienced striker Ross Stewart as their sixth signing of the summer. The 30-year-old is set to sign on a free transfer, after leaving Southampton at the end of last season, in a move that will cast further doubt on the future of star striker Zan Vipotnik.
Stewart's arrival raises questions over Vipotnik's future
The Slovenian has attracted interest from several sides both domestically and in Europe, including West Ham United and Benfica. However, an approach has so far not materialised, and club insiders have insisted his situation remains unchanged, despite Stewart's impending arrival.
Nevertheless, with Adam Idah already on board, the move will clearly spark fresh doubt over Vipotnik's future. Stewart has 19 goals in 44 Championship appearances to his name, and is believed to have turned down a new deal with the Saints, who saw their promotion ambitions scuppered by the Spygate scandal.
Club officials confirm deal close
Sporting director Ben Stevens confirmed in a Fans' Forum on Wednesday night that a deal was close to completion, but stopped short of mentioning Stewart by name. "We're hopeful of a new signing," he said, before adding that more new arrivals could be on the cards. "Maybe first thing in the morning."
"If Tom can open the budget, there's hopefully a couple more that will come in." The club are still working on a deal for Valencia's Andre Almeida, but despite reports in Spain, a deal isn't yet considered close.
Vitor Matos, also in attendance at Wednesday's forum, added: "The most important thing when we go to transfers is we try to add something that we don't have or something that is related to the quality of the players [we already have]." "Of course Ross and Andre are really good players."
Further targets on the radar
Swansea are also keen on Senegalese youngster Ousseynou Fall Seck, but while the club are believed to be well placed to get a deal done, the player is currently assessing his options, amid offers from several other clubs.
