Swansea City manager Vitor Matos has admitted to watching Senegalese midfielder Ousseynou Fall Seck, but stopped short of confirming the club's interest in the 19-year-old.
£2m fee agreed with Randers
WalesOnline understands Swansea have agreed a £2m fee with Danish side Randers for Fall Seck, with the player believed to be keen on the move to SA1 this summer.
Several other clubs, including German side Eintracht Frankfurt, are also understood to have taken an interest, but Fall Seck is believed to favour a move to Swansea, thinking it will be the best next step for his development.
Despite Swansea appearing to be the front-runners, Matos refused to be drawn on suggestions the teenager is a target in this window.
Matos: 'I know him from Senegal'
"I know him because I watched Senegal playing," Matos said ahead of Saturday's Carabao Cup clash with Birmingham City. "That's where I know him, but I know him and the other 10 players that were on the pitch, so nothing more about that."
Another player believed to be on the club's shortlist is Valencia's Andre Almeida, with reports in Spain suggesting the Swans had even agreed a fee for the 26-year-old.
Matos, for now, is keeping his counsel on Swansea's pursuit, which he suggested is still potentially alive. "There's so much information everywhere that I don't think I need to add something," he added. "All the players in the market are a possibility."
Almeida's reluctance and Matos' philosophy
The suggestion now is Almeida has turned down the chance to seal a move, and is holding out for another offer elsewhere, with Celta Vigo touted as possible suitors.
His reluctance to join may well be seen as a red flag by supporters, particularly given the importance Matos has placed on buying into the culture and the overall project at Swansea.
However, speaking more broadly, the Swans boss suggested that a player in need of persuading could still end up being a good fit in his plans. "I think it's part of life, no? For sure decisions in your life, you need more time to do it, to take it as well, no?" he added.
"Everyone needs time or more time or less time. It depends on your context, your family situation, your expectations. So every decision you make as a human being, I think some people need more time, some people less."
"The signings we did until now, some needed more time, some needed less. So it's part of the normal things in life I would say."
