The new season is just over a week away, and Swansea City's squad is starting to take shape. However, there is still plenty of road to run in terms of the summer transfer window, and Swansea are keen on further additions ahead of Saturday's Carabao Cup visit from Birmingham City.
Departures Dominate
Having already brought four new faces on board, departures have dominated the narrative around Swansea's summer. Liam Cullen looks poised to join former boss Russell Martin at Leicester City, while Sam Parker has joined Wycombe Wanderers on loan. The motivation behind both exits appears to be the perceived lack of game-time the duo would receive next season. Cullen has been a superb servant to the Swans, but there are now several options ahead of him in the pecking order. Parker remains highly rated, but a spell away at a club where he could play regularly is seen as better for his development.
Further exits could also be on the cards. Florian Bianchini and Ollie Cooper are similarly unlikely to heavily feature in the first-team picture next season. Bianchini was not included in the recent pre-season trip to Austria and was pictured leaving for a flight at Bristol Airport last week. WalesOnline understands his trip was not related to an imminent exit, but it still seems likely he will be moved on for a fresh start. Cooper remains a popular figure within the club, but despite featuring in pre-season, his game-time will likely be severely restricted given the level of competition within the squad.
Winger Ronald is another whose future has been subject to speculation, with Premier League side Coventry City among those tipped to be taking an interest, although no approach has been made. The same goes for star striker Zan Vipotnik, though there is no shortage of interest. However, WalesOnline understands Swansea's valuation of the player, believed to be in excess of £20m, is proving a significant stumbling block for potential suitors. Vipotnik's absence from action during the pre-season trip to Austria probably hasn't helped slow the rumour mill, but it is understood the striker could play some part against Leganes on Saturday after suffering a recent knock. There has been no sign of the player pushing for an exit, and no imminent offer.
Defensive Targets
Should Vipotnik leave, it would add another item to Swansea's transfer wishlist, currently spearheaded by the search for a new left-sided defender. Swansea are believed to be open to a younger profile, perhaps in recognition that whoever comes in would be deputising for Josh Tymon, who will surely be one of the first names on the teamsheet next season. Ethan Pye is a name that has worked through the grapevine, but he recently signed a new deal at Stockport County, making an exit less likely this summer.
Midfield Search
Ethan Galbraith's departure and Goncalo Franco's injury have induced fresh enthusiasm for a new central midfield option. Reports on the continent recently claimed Swansea were in the hunt for Charleroi star Yacine Titraoui, who reportedly recently turned down a move to Greek side Olympiakos. However, sources have claimed he will not be signing for Swansea this summer. WalesOnline understands the Swans did make an approach for the Algerian, but the 23-year-old's preference to play at a higher level means the move is currently a non-starter. Premier League duo Leeds United and Hull City are among others believed to be in the frame.
Valencia's Andre Almeida has also been mentioned by reports in Spain, but the level of Swansea's interest is unclear at this stage. The strength of links to Rangers centre-back John Souttar also currently remains unknown.
