The Swans are hopeful of adding more new faces to their squad ahead of next week’s opener with Middlesbrough
Swansea City boss Alan Sheehan says he’s hopeful of adding to his squad before next week’s opening day-clash with Middlesbrough, and admits his current lack of defensive options is becoming a concern ahead of the new campaign.
With captain Ben Cabango and new signing Ricardo Santos both on the treatment table, Cameron Burgess is currently the only recognised senior centre-back option at Sheehan’s disposal.
The need for further depth has subsequently become a more pressing priority this week, although Sheehan says the club are making progress with potential further additions.
“I think there are areas we would like to strengthen,” he said after the pre-season friendly defeat to Lorient.
“I think we’ve got some good competition for places. I think the centre-back situation is obviously unfortunate. In terms of depth that is an area we would like to do.”
Asked if there were likely to be further arrivals before the trip to Teesside he added: “All going well, yeah.
“We’re in talks with players. But we’re not just going to sign anyone. They’ve got to be the right fit for the football club in order to make us better.
“We’ve done good quality signings so far and there maybe a couple more before the end of the window, but I’ve no idea really on timescale.”
As well as the injuries to his defensive options, Sheehan is also sweating on players at the other end of the pitch, with Zan Vipotnik set to be assessed ahead of next week’s trip to the north east.
“He hurt his toe on Thursday,” Sheehan added. “He’s got scanned and we’re hoping it’s not weeks, but we’re hoping to have him back. If not not this game then the next game.
“We need to see the extent of it, we’re not quite sure on that yet.”
A striker is also believed to be on high on the wishlist for the Swans this summer, with Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone seemingly emerging as a top target.
Sources close to negotiations indicating the club have already had two bids knocked back for the 22-year-old, with the League One outfit believed to value the player at around £5m.
There’s already been a suggestion Swansea will return with a third bid, but Sheehan wouldn’t be drawn on their possible interest in the League One Player of the Year.
“I’ve heard there’s a lot of noise, but it’s not something I would try to comment on right now,” Sheehan responded when quizzed on possible interest in the Ivorian, who sat out Wycombe’s defeat to Bradford City on Saturday.
His absence will clearly heighten speculation over his future, although at the time of writing Swansea aren’t believed to be close to agreeing any sort of deal.
Nevertheless Wanderers boss Mike Dodds has confirmed the club have received offers for the striker, but says they haven’t given up hope on extending the player’s current deal, which currently has one year left to run.
Asked if Wycombe fans had seen the last of Kone, Dodds told the BBC: “I hope not. He had a really clunky week in that he missed little bits.
“I have a really good relationship with Rich. The club have made him a really good offer to stay in terms of a new contract.
“I’ve not been involved in those discussions, but I want to be honest with the fans. We have had four or five bids. Maybe six. It’s just accelerated really, really quickly and we’ve had a huge amount of interest.
“I’ll touch base with Rich on Monday when we’re back in. My plan is he’ll be involved at the weekend.
“So we’ll see how he goes.”