Swansea City have reportedly made significant progress in their pursuit of Valencia midfielder André Almeida. However, their efforts are still in real danger of being thwarted by the player's reluctance to play in the Championship.
According to A Bola, Swansea are close to reaching an agreement with Valencia over a package for the 26-year-old. However, it's claimed Almeida doesn't view a move to the second tier as the right move for his career, and views a move to the Championship as a backward step.
Player Holding Out
He is currently believed to be waiting for more attractive offers, but there are reportedly efforts under way to try and change his mind. So far, however, he has maintained his position, despite Valencia boss Carlos Corberán repeatedly suggesting the Portuguese is not part of his plans.
Almeida was left out of the club's most recent pre-season friendly, having previously struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular since arriving for around £6m four years ago. A contract extension last season came as something of a surprise, and he now looks set to move on.
Swans' Alternative Options
Valencia are certainly keen on selling Almeida, and Swansea may hope the presence of fellow Portuguese coach Vítor Matos helps their case. Swansea now face an anxious wait to see what will happen next, with Matos clearly keen on bringing in a midfield option.
The club had looked to sign Algerian Yacine Titraoui from Charleroi, but he chose to join Lens instead. Reports elsewhere suggest the Swans have agreed a deal with Randers to sign teenager Ousseynou Fall Seck, with his boss declaring at the weekend that an exit was close. Whether his potential arrival has an impact on their chase for Almeida remains to be seen.
