Bristol CitySwansea City boss Kenny Jackett has reaffirmed his interest in bringing Bristol City winger Marc Goodfellow back to South Wales.
The 23-year-old is free to leave the Ashton Gate club after failing to establish himself since his switch from Stoke City back in January 2004.

Goodfellow impressed Jackett while on loan with The Swans last season, but stressed he has other areas in his squad that presently need more attention.

"I'm definitely still interested in Marc Goodfellow," Jackett told the South Wales Evening Post.

"But I haven't moved for him since the end of the season because I do not view left midfield as a priority position.

"Marc's a talented player, no question, and he's someone I'll be pursuing if I get my first targets and I have a little bit of money left over.

"I'm hopeful that will be the case."

Should Swansea move for Goodfellow, The Robins are thought to want around £15,000 for the left-sided midfielder.

Meanwhile, Swansea are keen to extend defender Sam Ricketts's contract until the summer of 2008.

The former Oxford United and Telford United player has a year left on his current Swans deal, but chairman Huw Jenkins is keen to secure one of their key squad members to a longer deal.

''We're talking about two more years on top of the one that is still to run on Sam's contract,'' Jenkins said.

''He was entitled to renegotiate as a result of our promotion, but we are looking to go beyond next summer."

Torquay United have given Swansea City permission to talk to Bayo Akinfenwa as chairman Mike Bateson seeks 'to gauge reaction to the striker's possible market value'.

The Swans traded place with the Gulls last season with the latter relegated to League Two and the former promoted to League One.

But the management at Plainmoor have still not ruled out the possibility that their 16-goal striker from last season will sign a new contract.

Meanwhile, the mystery 'second agent' has been revealed as Dean Baker from agents World in Motion.

He is the man who, it is believed, is causing the London-born player to stall on putting pen to paper on a deal with Torquay, while the agent he is signed up to, Steve Davies at Athletes One, is urging him to do so.

Torquay's web-site quotes the chair man as saying: "Akinfenwa is being hawked around clubs by a second agent....and competition for his (Akinfenwa's) services could prove healthy for our finances."

Akinfenwa told his official agent Steve Davies , by text, that he needed to spend a few days with his wife.

But he has now agreed that the pair will finally meet - more than a week late - in London today.

"You have to take what he says at face value; I just hope now that he will take my advice and sign Torquay's contract," said Davies.

The other agent who is trying to make a quick buck is causing me problems, but Bayo has been reminded that he is under contract for two more years with us (Athletes One) and so nothing can be done anywhere until we have talked to Torquay."

Davies admitted that four other clubs had expressed interest, including Bristol City, but their chairman, Steve Lansdown, has not yet spoken to his opposite number.

But he has said that if a deal is done for Akinfenwa the fee would likely go to a tribunal as they would not meet Torquay's £150,000 valuation.

United head coach Leroy Rosenior has declined to comment further on the Akinfenwa situation and has left negotiations (if they happen) to the chairman while he concentrates on the three or four signings he wants to make.

Meanwhile, news that Swansea - promoted to League One in third place under manager Kenny Jackett on the last day of the season - had been given permission to talk to Akinfenwa, came as a shock to the player's official agent Steve Davies!

Swansea City have opened talks with Sam Ricketts over a contract extension that would keep him at the club until 2008. Chairman Huw Jenkins and manager Kenny Jackett met with one of last season's major Vetch Field successes yesterday to begin discussions over a new agreement.

Ricketts, snapped up from Telford 12 months ago, went from non-league player to Welsh international thanks to his consistently impressive displays on either side of Swansea's defence.

His original two-year deal included a clause that entitled the former Oxford youngster to renegotiate his terms if Swansea were promoted to League One.

But such was Ricketts's form that the club are now keen to tie him to a much longer contract.

''We're talking about two more years on top of the one that is still to run on Sam's contract,'' Jenkins revealed.

''He was entitled to renegotiate as a result of our promotion, but we are looking to go beyond next summer.

''We were hoping to get it all sorted out yesterday, but there's quite a bit to discuss so we'll be meeting again next week.

''The first meeting went quite well and I'm hopeful that we'll conclude everything next time around.''

Ricketts has seen his stock soar in a year as a Swan, with many observers tipping him for a move up the Coca-Cola League after his comfortable start to life as an international footballer.

Jackett claimed in the spring that once available again, Manchester City's Ben Thatcher would face a battle to reclaim his Wales spot thanks to Ricketts's emergence.

Meanwhile, the Swansea boss has ruled out a move for Torquay United striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, despite admitting he had shown an interest in last season's Plainmoor player of the year.

Torquay revealed on their official website yesterday that Swansea had been given permission to talk to the out-of-contract forward, who scored 16 goals as the Gulls suffered relegation from League One last term.

But Jackett has scrapped plans to pursue the ex-Boston, Leyton Orient and Doncaster man after learning that he is not available on a free transfer.

''The list of free players came out and, having seen his name, I made an enquiry about Adebayo Akinfenwa,'' he said.

''I then found out that because he is under the age of 24, a fee will have to be paid.

''Had he been on a free I would have been interested, but it's going to need a fee or a transfer tribunal so that one has died a death.''

Akinfenwa, 23, looks to be heading to Bristol City, with a fee of £150,000 having been mentioned.

Kenny Jackett today reaffirmed his desire to sign Marc Goodfellow this summer - but only if his cash does not run out first. Jackett remains a big admirer of Bristol City winger Goodfellow, who won many fans at Swansea City during a fruitful loan spell midway through last season.

But the Swansea boss admits he must bolster other departments in his squad before splashing out on the 23-year-old left-footer.

"I'm definitely still interested in Marc Goodfellow," Jackett said.

"But I haven't moved for him since the end of the season because I do not view left midfield as a priority position.

"Marc's a talented player, no question, and he's someone I'll be pursuing if I get my first targets and I have a little bit of money left over.

"I'm hopeful that will be the case."

So any move for Goodfellow rests on Swansea first recruiting a striker, two midfielders and a defender.

Jackett tabled a £25,000 bid for the ex-Stoke flyer back in January, when the Robins were demanding £65,000.

Now the Ashton Gate club are believed to be asking for just £15,000, but Swansea's interest has cooled since Kevin McLeod arrived from Queens Park Rangers in mid-February.

There is little sign of anyone going in the opposite direction this summer, though transfer-listed right-back Andy Gurney is attracting some interest.

"I've had three enquiries about Andy, but so far nobody has taken it any further than that," said Jackett, who will let the ex-Swindon man go for nothing.

Antonio Corbisiero, released by Jackett at the end of last month, is to spend pre-season training with Conference side Hereford United in a bid to win a contract at Edgar Street.

He could be joined by Swansea-born striker Robert Duffy, a free agent after leaving Rushden & Diamonds.

Swansea are to make an announcement soon regarding parking spaces for disabled fans at their new stadium.

Season-ticket holders will be given priority.

CCTV and 24-hour security are now in place permanently at Morfa.

SWANSEA CITY are set to step up their bid to sign a new striker by holding talks with Torquay United's Adebayo Akinfenwa.

Boss Kenny Jackett indicated he would turn his attentions elsewhere after having a £130,000 bid for Rochdale striker Grant Holt turned down.

And he's proved true to his word by registering an interest in the former Barry Town forward Akinfenwa (pictured below).

But Swansea's League One rivals Bristol City are also keen on recruiting the London-born player, who looks set to leave Torquay after turning down two improved contract offers.

Wherever Akinfenwa ends up, Torquay would be entitled to some form of compensation as he is only 23.

"We are told that Bayo is being hawked around clubs by a second agent and it is in our interests that those wishing to hold talks with him be allowed to do so," said Torquay chairman Mike Bateson.

"It gives us a chance to gauge his market value and competition for his services should prove healthy for our finances."

United boss Leroy Rosenior added, "They are welcome to talk to him. I just want this matter closing, one way or the other."

Akinfenwa has been the subject of a long-running dispute over his future that prompted Bateson to proclaim that the striker's career at Plainmoor was finished.

Bateson claimed Akinfenwa reneged on an agreement to hold further talks on a new Torquay deal.

Barry Town was Akinfenwa's first major stopping point, the big target-man spending 14 months at Jenner Park between August 2002 and October 2003.

He had spells at Boston, Leyton Orient, Rushden and Doncaster before signing for Torquay last summer, for whom he has scored 14 goals in 37 league appearances.

Suggesting he struggles to pronounce the names of Kenny Jackett's players is probably taking it a bit far, but you know what Mel Charles means. Swansea City just do not seem to have players from Swansea anymore.

"It's sad," reckons the former Wales star.

"I would love to see a team packed full of local lads again, as I'm sure most fans would, but it's difficult to see that happening."

Difficult, indeed, when you think back to Bury's visit to Vetch Field last season, when Sam Ricketts was still English and Swansea fielded a starting 11 without a single Welshman - never mind a Jack - for the first time since the 1920s.

With James Thomas confined to the treatment room, the only local representation in Kenny Jackett's first-team squad last season came from Port Talbot's Kristian O'Leary.

Even the club's brightest youngsters, Mark Pritchard and Chad Bond, hail from beyond the Briton Ferry Bridge.

"I think back to my time," adds Charles, "there was a conveyor belt of 18- or 19-year-old kids in Swansea who could play top-class football."

Remember Wales's 1958 World Cup team? No fewer than seven of that side grew up in what's now the nation's second city.

"The talent is there," reckons Gorseinon's Leighton James, one part of another of Welsh football's great success stories.

John Toshack's Swansea City side built their remarkable achievements around a local core which also included the likes of Robbie James, from Mayhill, and Mel's son, Jeremy Charles.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but Jeremy could have gone anywhere thanks to his surname," remembers Charles senior.

"He could have gone to Manchester United, but I took him to the Vetch.

"It's best to start nearer the bottom and work your way up. You'll always get a fair chance at a club like Swansea.

"But these days all the talent is going away. There's so much money in the game that families get tempted and kids go to big clubs. Then they end up disappearing."

Charles grew up kicking a ball around Cwmbwrla Park with big brother John.

Return trips to the childhood stamping ground today, he says, give another indication of why Swansea's flow of footballers has dried up.

"You could hardly find a space to play in those days, but you don't see that now.

"A lot of kids are too busy watching the TV or playing computer games."

It is a theory James buys into.

"We never had Sky when we were growing up," he says.

"I remember playing for a quality Swansea Schoolboys side, but there's not as much sport in the schools these days.

"Schools like Penlan, Townhill and St Joseph's were really strong in football, but I'm not sure that's the case anymore.

"Another big worry now is that the senior league is not the same standard as it was."

So, according to James, there is not the same widespread talent on show to professional scouts as in the past because of other distractions.

But that is not the end of the story.

The finger must be pointed, too, towards those at the Vetch.

Swansea's youth set-up has not exactly been a steady ship amid the various storms which have blown over the club in recent years.

"There has been too much chopping and changing," James adds.

"Look at Alan Curtis. He's been in the job two years, nobody has come through to the first team and now he's gone.

"That's never going to work.

"You need a stable manager, a stable youth boss and some continuity running through the club."

Behind the door to the all-new boardroom at Swansea's new stadium, they will tell you James's plea will soon be answered.

Jackett is here to stay, and so is the newly-installed youth management team of David Moss and Huw Lake.

"We've appointed two young, enthusiastic people to try to change things around," says Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins.

"Along with Kenny, who has spent years working in youth football at Watford, we hope we have the right blend."

Not surprisingly, those within Morfa's walls do not blame the club for the failure to unearth an abundance of first-team stars in recent years.

No doubt, the lack of local lads in the Swansea side is mirrored all over the country.

"It's a problem throughout football," Jenkins goes on.

"The Academy system is not the best way to bring youngsters through and in a centre of excellence like ours, what you can achieve is diminished by restrictions upon you.

"The best days for Swansea in terms of producing players were when we had a very strong schools football team.

"But if you're involved with a professional club now, you're not allowed to play schools football. We've got (former FA technical director) Howard Wilkinson to thank for that."

Still, the Swansea supremo accepts, there is room for self-improvement in South West Wales.

"The biggest thing we can do is to make sure we give kids a chance to break through," says Jenkins, a former goalkeeper who had a stint on the Vetch youth books during the Toshack era.

"It's seems to be getting harder and harder to make it all the way to the first team, but that's something we're going to try to change.

"Even when players have come through in the past, like Dean Saunders or Chris Coleman, they have only touched our club briefly before going and achieving elsewhere.

"That can't keep happening.

"The challenge for us is to find the right ingredients, which means doing things like improving our facilities, to make sure youngsters come through and then stay here."

So there is a chance, then, of a future Swansea City team featuring at least a handful of Swansea-born players?

"It's difficult," Jenkins accepts.

"But I'm certain the talent is there and that it always will be. We will do everything we can to tap into it."

Kenny Jackett has bumped up expectations ahead of Swansea City's return to League One by insisting: "We're chasing consecutive promotions." The Swansea boss has raised the bar as preparations for life back in the third tier of the English league gather speed, claiming there is nothing for his side to fear in a division which features double European Cup winners Nottingham Forest.

Some fans might be satisfied by a season of consolidation in the old Division Two, where Swansea slumped to relegation at the first attempt in their last all-too-brief foray out of the basement league in 2001.

But Jackett is having none of it. He boomed: ''Our ambition from day one will be to win another promotion.

''It's not going to be easy - it will be tougher than last year - but that's what we're working towards.

''There's never anything to fear in football and there's no reason why we can't be competitive.''

Jackett, who plans to strengthen his hand with four summer signings, points to the mood at Swansea this time last year.

''No-one was saying we were going to go up automatically and win the FAW Cup then,'' he said.

''The bookies reckoned we were going to finish in mid-table while Northampton, Chester and Oxford were favourites to go up.

"That just shows how wide open it was in League Two and I think League One is the same. It's all in the melting pot.''

Swansea's manager has a wealth of experience of the club's new division - and he knows how to succeed at this level.

Having been promoted to what is now the Championship with both Watford

and Queens Park Rangers, he added: ''It's a harder league, obviously, but it's not like the Premiership where you could write the top three or the top five down now and get it spot on.

''Just like in League Two, there are always surprise elements in League One and that gives us a chance.

''Look at the sides who went up last year.

''Hull didn't add many players but won promotion again, Huddersfield and Doncaster finished in mid-table and Torquay went down.

''Can we do a Hull and go up again? I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but that's the target we'll set.''

In upbeat mood himself, Jackett is expecting his players to rise to the occasion when the new season kicks off in August.

''I think there will be an initial surge because we're in a new stadium and a new division,'' he added.

''Then I have to make sure my squad is strong enough to compete, especially on the many tough away trips we'll face.

''You look north west to Tranmere, Oldham and Blackpool, then to Yorkshire where we'll play Rotherham, Barnsley, Bradford and Huddersfield.

''In the Midlands we'll play Forest, Port Vale and Walsall, then there are the likes of Gillingham, Brentford, Bournemouth, Swindon and Bristol City.

''There are some very tough games there.''

SWANSEA CITY chief Kenny Jackett wants to emulate Hull City and jump from League Two to the Championship in successive seasons.
After last season's promotion triumph the Swans are preparing for battle in League One in their new stadium at Morfa.

And Jackett will tell his players they have nothing to fear in the new division and they should be inspired by Hull's exploits.

The Tigers claimed second spot in the old Division Three in 2003-04 before booking their place in the Championship by finished second in League One last term.

"Can we do a Hull and go straight up? From day one, our ambition will be to get promotion," said a bullish Jackett.

"I'm not saying it's going to be easy - this division is a lot tougher than the one we've just come out of - but our ambition is definitely to win promotion. That's what we're working towards.

"There are some very good sides in the division and we've got some tough trips up north to deal with.

"But there's no reason why we can't be competitive. The other teams might be worried about coming down to Swansea."

Jackett knows what it takes to get out of League One after helping both Watford and, more recently, Queens Park Rangers out of this division.

"There's never anything to fear in football. We're in a harder league, but I think there's everything to play for," he added.

"You can write down now who will be the top five in the Premier League, but you can't do that for League One and League Two.

"There are always surprise elements in those two divisions, and I feel that gives us a chance.

"Look at the sides who won promotion to League One last year. Hull went up, Doncaster and Huddersfield finished mid-table and Torquay went down.

"To me that suggests it's an open field and that there's a hell of a lot of room for manoeuvre.

"If you go back 12 months nobody was saying Swansea would win automatic promotion from League Two.

"I remember looking at the bookies' odds and we were about halfway. Teams like Northampton and Oxford were the favourites.

"It was a varied field and I think it's a similar situation in League One."

Once again the Swans are not among the promotion favourites.

Bookmaker Jack Brown has Jackett's side at 25-1 to go up with Nottingham Forest (4-1), Tranmere (8-1) and Bristol City and Huddersfield (both 9-1) the front-runners.

"You can say we only squeaked out of League Two, but, at the same time, we only finished three points off the top," said Jackett.

"I've got make sure we go into this league and compete. We can't come into it and be second-best. I don't want us to be overrun.

"I think we will have a surge of impetus because we're in a new division and playing in a new stadium.

"But I want a squad that can compete in the top half of the division."

Jackett has targeted four new signings this summer but has yet to add to the squad that finished third in League Two.

He has seen bids for Rochdale striker Grant Holt and Rushden and Diamonds midfielder Andy Burgess turned down and he is still eyeing Bristol City winger Marc Goodfellow.

"We've got 10 very hard games up north next season. We've got to go to places like Tranmere, Bradford, Huddersfield and Barnsley," explained the former Wales star.

"There is also a strong Midlands contingent - Port Vale, Nottingham Forest and Walsall - and sides in the south such as Bristol City, Swindon and Bournemouth.

"There are a lot of tough away games there and if we are to pick up points we've got to be very competitive away from home."

There have been no takers yet for Swansea's transfer-listed duo Andy Gurney and Gary Fisken.

Swansea City have invited two promising Australian players to join the squad for pre-season training. Matthew Gordon and Ian Ramsey have been recommended to manager Kenny Jackett by a local agent, who will pay for the air fares and accommodation in Wales. "The agent's very confident that, although young, they can break through into English football," said Jackett. Defender Stewart Edwards will also return for a second trial spell after impressing Jackett last season. The 20-year-old defender was recently released by Leeds United, and played some reserve games at the Vetch last April. "He's a local lad. A right back or centre back, although he feels right back is his strongest position," Jackett told BBC Wales Sport. "He's had four years at Leeds and we felt that although we didn't see much of him, he was worth inviting back and could do something." The Aussie pair have both featured in the Australian Premier League and will arrive in Swansea on 27 June. Gordon is an attacking midfielder from Sydney Olympic who had a trail at Millwall last season, while Ramsey is former Sydney United forward. "I'm willing to back this agent and see whether over a week or two these two players have the type of potential that can take the club forward," added Jackett.

Kenny Jackett believes four summer signings will give him a squad capable of competing at the top end of League One next season. The Swansea City boss wants to recruit a striker, two midfielders and a defender good enough to go straight into his starting line-up come August 6.

It is no secret that Rochdale powerhouse Grant Holt is the top attacking target, while Rushden & Diamonds man Andy Burgess has been earmarked to fill one of the midfield vacancies.

But Jackett is keeping quiet about other possible new faces arriving, insisting: ''I've got a number of options and it could be that more come up over the course of the summer.

''It's often good to keep some of your budget back so that you can move in if a player becomes available later than the rest, which is often what happens.

''I want four players - a defender who can play right-back or centre-back, a left-footed midfielder with some versatility and ability to play elsewhere, a central midfielder with physical presence and a striker who complements what we've already got.

''If I can get all that between now and the start of the season, I think we'll kick off in League One with a very strong squad indeed.''

Back at his desk this week after a fortnight with the family in Florida, Swansea's manager hoped he might return to some good news on Holt and Burgess.

But Rochdale have rejected an improved £130,000 bid for their top marksman, while Rushden have snubbed Swansea's latest £80,000 offer.

Jackett admitted: ''Both clubs have turned down our increased bids, so I think the next step is to leave those there for now and see what else is around.

''If we are going to go up another notch financially, that would open up a whole new list of players on the next tier.

''I'm not necessarily saying we could afford to do that, but it's worth looking around and that's what I'm doing at the moment.

''I have liked Holt and Burgess for a long time, but if there's somebody who I feel is as good then fine, I will move for them.

''Having said that, if either player does become available in the next few weeks, which they may well do, then the door will still be open to do a deal.''

Swansea have invited Llangyfelach product Stuart Edwards, 20, to join them for pre-season training following his release by Leeds.

''He played a couple of reserve games for us at the end of last season and did enough for me to say 'improve your fitness and we'll have another look at you in July','' Jackett said.

SWANSEA CITY chief Kenny Jackett has revealed he might go elsewhere to do his summer shopping after seeing bids for Grant Holt and Andy Burgess turned down.
The League One newcomers offered Rochdale £130,000 for striker Holt, while an £80,000 bid has been tabled for Rushden and Diamonds midfielder Burgess.

Both players are entering the last year of the contracts with their respective clubs and will be free agents next summer if they refuse to sign new deals.

But Jackett - still waiting to make his first signing since winning promotion last month - has been rebuffed by both clubs.

Now the Swans boss has warned the League Two pair that he is looking around for other players as he seeks to bolster his squad before the August 6 kick-off.

Jackett wants to bring in "three or four" new faces - a defender, two midfielders and a striker.

"We have increased our bids for Burgess and Holt over the last few weeks, but they have been turned down by their clubs," said Jackett, who has recently returned from a family holiday in Florida.

"The next step is to leave that one there and look at who else is about. I will see what is around for my money.

"If we decide to spend more money, then that will open up a whole new list of players to us."

The Swans have been trailing ex-Sheffield Wednesday man Holt, 24, and Rushden product Burgess, 23, for some time.

Jackett believes Holt, who scored 24 goals last term, is the different type of forward he is looking for, while Oxford and Northampton target Burgess is the left-footed player that will give him more options

"I looked at Burgess and Holt during the course of last season, but sometimes you don't always get what you want," added Jackett.

"I'm very aware that players' situations can change very quickly. A player who wasn't available in May can become available in July.

"As the summer goes on different people do become available.

"If someone becomes available and I feel he is as good or better than Holt or Burgess, then I will move for him.

"Perhaps Rochdale and Rushden are testing us out, but it is worth those clubs waiting to see who else comes in for their players during the summer.

"I understand Yeovil are also in for Holt, so Rochdale may be waiting to see if anyone else comes in for him.

"They may have set a deadline. When they reach that date, then they will decide what to do."

Burgess' fate will be decided by Rushden's new owners - the supporters.

Dr Martens tycoon Max Griggs has decided to hand the club over to a newly-formed Supporters' Trust after failing to sell the League Two outfit.

"Rushden have had a change of ownership and the new regime may have a different opinion to the old one regarding finances," said Jackett.

"I want to bring in a defender, two midfielders and a forward between now and the start of the season.

"If I can do that then we will have a strong squad going into League One.

"I'm not close to signing anyone at the moment. Nothing is imminent.

"But, in my experience, a deal can be wrapped up very quickly, in two or three days if you get the right call.

"With Andy Gurney on the transfer list, I'm looking for a defender who can play centre-back and right-back.

"I want a left-footed midfielder, someone that will give us flexibility. Burgess can play in a two or three-man midfield which is important.

"He has also played left-back and on the left side of midfield for Rushden.

"I would also like a central midfielder who has, shall we say, a physical presence and a striker who complements what we already have."

Swans have offered new deals to Leon Britton, Kris O'Leary, Izzy Iriekpen, Kevin Austin and Brian Murphy, who are all out of contract this summer.

All five have agreed to the new terms and Jackett expects them to put pen to paper this week.

Fifa's transfer window will have little impact on Coca-Cola League clubs like Swansea City because of a loophole in the laws. Clubs in the three divisions below the Premiership had been bracing themselves for the introduction of the hugely unpopular window system this summer.

Under the regulations, in use in the top flight for three seasons, no transfers are permitted between the end of August and January 1, then from February 1 until the end of each season. That meant clubs like Swansea being forced to build bigger squads, prompting a probable drop in quality because more players needed to be recruited for less money.

But the Evening Post has learned that a way around the Fifa rules which renders the window almost meaningless has been found.

An unlimited number of loans are to be permitted in the Football League next season with no limit on their duration.

''Everyone was worried about the new system but it hasn't worked out as we all expected,'' said Swansea boss Kenny Jackett.

''You could sign a player on loan in October, for example, and then make the move permanent when the window opens on January 1.

''It seems the transfer window is not as rigid as we first thought.''

Kenny Jackett believes four summer signings will give him a squad capable of competing at the top end of League One next season. The Swansea City boss wants to recruit a striker, two midfielders and a defender good enough to go straight into his starting line-up come August 6.

It is no secret that Rochdale powerhouse Grant Holt is the top attacking target, while Rushden & Diamonds man Andy Burgess has been earmarked to fill one of the midfield vacancies.

But Jackett is keeping quiet about other possible new faces arriving, insisting: ''I've got a number of options and it could be that more come up over the course of the summer.

''It's often good to keep some of your budget back so that you can move in if a player becomes available later than the rest, which is often what happens.

''I want four players - a defender who can play right-back or centre-back, a left-footed midfielder with some versatility and ability to play elsewhere, a central midfielder with physical presence and a striker who complements what we've already got.

''If I can get all that between now and the start of the season, I think we'll kick off in League One with a very strong squad indeed.''

Back at his desk this week after a fortnight with the family in Florida, Swansea's manager hoped he might return to some good news on Holt and Burgess.

But Rochdale have rejected an improved £130,000 bid for their top marksman, while Rushden have snubbed Swansea's latest £80,000 offer.

Jackett admitted: ''Both clubs have turned down our increased bids, so I think the next step is to leave those there for now and see what else is around.

''If we are going to go up another notch financially, that would open up a whole new list of players on the next tier.

''I'm not necessarily saying we could afford to do that, but it's worth looking around and that's what I'm doing at the moment.

''I have liked Holt and Burgess for a long time, but if there's somebody who I feel is as good then fine, I will move for them.

''Having said that, if either player does become available in the next few weeks, which they may well do, then the door will still be open to do a deal.''

Swansea have invited Llangyfelach product Stuart Edwards, 20, to join them for pre-season training following his release by Leeds. ''He played a couple of reserve games for us at the end of last season and did enough for me to say 'improve your fitness and we'll have another look at you in July','' Jackett said.

West Ham have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Roy Carroll. The 27-year-old turned down the offer of a new contract with Manchester United and was made available on a free transfer.

Following an injury to Jimmy Walker in the play-off final victory over Preston, which earned them promotion to the Barclays Premiership, manager Alan Pardew is delighted to have brought in such an experienced player.

''I've moved quickly to rectify that situation by signing Roy, who is an established Premiership goalkeeper," said Pardew on the club's official website, www.whufc.com .

BURY will not be punished by the Football Association for the crowd trouble which marred their controversial home game with Swansea City.

Questions had been raised over Bury's preparations for the sell-out match which ended in the Welsh club clinching promotion - and Swans goalkeeper Willy Gueret being arrested.

The game was held up by pitch invasions from Swansea fans, but Bury say they have been praised by the FA for their "stewardship throughout the match."

The FA report has been sent to the Welsh FA, who could decide to charge Gueret, who was handcuffed and taken to Bury Police Station after arguing with police officers while celebrating Swansea's promotion to League One.

The 31-year-old Frenchman was held for two hours and ordered to pay a £80 fixed penalty fine for a "public order offence."

Swansea City have suffered fresh setbacks in their attempts to sign two of their main summer transfer targets. Improved bids of £80,000 for Rushden's Andy Burgess and £130,000 for Grant Holt of Rochdale have been turned down, much to Kenny Jackett's frustration.

"We're not close to a deal for either player," said Swans manager Jackett.

"The chairman, Huw Jenkins, has made very good offers for both which have been turned down. We'll wait and see if that changes over the next weeks."

Burgess is on the transfer list at Nene Park, with Northampton and Oxford also thought to be interested in the midfielder.

Holt scored 24 goals for Rochdale in League Two last season and the club have insisted they will not sell unless they receive "an offer we cannot refuse".

If I could bring in one defender, two midfielders and one forward that would really strengthen us

Swansea manager Kenny Jackett

The ex-Sheffield Wednesday striker has yet to sign an extension to his current contract, which has just another 12 months to run.

Jackett said he will consider the implications of this latest failure before deciding on his next step.

"If there's a deal to be done close to where we are now then we will do it," he told BBC Wales Sport.

"We'll just draw our breath now and if either club comes back to us and wants to pursue either deal then fine.

"We've been quiet aggressive what we're trying to do and haven't been able to sign either player."

Jackett says he has set his heart on adding "three or four players" to the squad that won promotion to League One last season.

He added: "It's very important we look and see what else is around and available.

"If we do suddenly go out of the financial parameters that we've set, it takes us into a new ball game of what players are available.

"If I could bring in one defender, two midfielders and possibly one forward then that would really strengthen us."

Curtis will continue his 34-year association with Swansea City

Alan Curtis will take a hospitality job at Swansea City's new stadium in Morfa.
Curtis, who has been associated with the club for 34 years since joining aged 17, lost his job as head of youth development at the Swans last month.

"We wanted to make sure we retained his services in some capacity," club chairman Huw Jenkins told the South Wales Evening Post.

"We hope to work with him for many years to come."

Curtis' part-time role will see him lead a team of former Swansea players who will work on hospitality on match days and at other functions.

Wales will play Slovenia at the new Swansea stadium in Morfa

Wales have confirmed a friendly match against Slovenia which will take place at the new stadium at Morfa, Swansea, on 17 August. It will be the first meeting between the countries at senior level.

Slovenia will offer a good warm-up for John Toshack's side before World Cup qualifiers against England, Poland, Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan.

Wales are also hoping to organise another freindly fixture away from home during November.

Also on the cards is a high-profile home friendly for 1 March, with Portugal the prime candidates.

Meanwhile, the venue for Wales' World Cup game in Poland will be decided by the Polish FA next week.

The Football Association of Wales has also requested an Under-21 game against Slovenia for 16 August

Swansea City are on course to be Wales's best supported football club next season. The second-city side have spent recent years trailing in the wake of Cardiff City in terms of success and following.

But with the tables turning on the field - plus a spanking new stadium for Swansea to call home - things could be about to change.

Cardiff, riddled with debt and seemingly set for another year of struggle in the Championship, have sold around 6,000 season tickets for 2005-6.

That tally is not expected to rise significantly between now and August 6, leaving Sam Hammam and Co contemplating a dramatic slide in support.

In 2003-4, following Cardiff's promotion to Division One, as the Championship was then known, season-ticket sales soared to 10,500, while last season they reached 8,500.

Swansea's tallies are meagre by comparison - the 3,700 sold for the final season at Vetch Field was a club record.

But with a new 20,500-capacity arena all but complete and promotion from the Coca-Cola League basement secured, that mark has been smashed this summer.

Swansea will not give an update on the latest sales figures - they want to announce the grand total come the start of the new League One campaign.

But it is believed more than 7,000 season tickets have already been snapped up, plus in excess of 1,000 Premier Club seats.

Wrexham trail a miserable third in the fan-base stakes - they sold barely 1,000 season tickets last year and are now contemplating life in a lower division.

"We will be absolutely delighted if, as could well be the case, we are Wales's best-supported team next season," said Swansea director David Morgan.

"With the new stadium to come on the back of promotion, our fans are in buoyant mood.

"They believe that at long last we are heading in the right direction."

Two summers ago, Cardiff were celebrating promotion back to the second tier of English football thanks to a play-off final win over Queens Park Rangers, while Swansea had narrowly managed to avoid the Conference trapdoor.

"Nobody would have believed then that we would have a chance of selling more season tickets than Cardiff in 2005," Morgan added.

"But we have come along in the last couple of years and everyone at the club is excited about the future.

"There are a lot of clubs out there who would give anything to be in the position we're in now."

Swansea today insisted that they have made a verbal offer of £80,000 for Rushden & Diamonds midfielder Andy Burgess after the League Two club claimed no bids had been received. Swindon Town are the latest club to be linked with the 23-year-old.

Swansea stand to bank close to £50,000 before Christmas thanks to the Football League's new television deal with Sky and ITV.

SHAKERS have been absolved of any blame in relation to the events during and after the May 7 home game against promoted Swansea City, when there was a pitch invasion and the Swans' goalkeeper Willy Gueret was arrested.

The Football Association have told the club that its preparations for handling the 7,575 strong crowd were more than adequate, while the FA have passed on their completed report of the incidents to the FA of Wales, who will decide whether or not to take any further action against the Welsh club.

The Gigg Lane club were praised in the letter for their pre-game preparatiions and general stewardship of the game.

Rushden & Diamonds have denied receiving any bid for Swansea City target Andy Burgess. Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins blasted the League Two club at the back end of last week, claiming they had not responded to an offer of £80,000.

But though they admit transfer-listed Burgess is attracting much attention, the Diamonds insist no club has yet made a formal approach.

"I can confirm that we have held informal discussions and dialogue with several interested parties," said Nene Park secretary Dave Joyce.

"But at this moment in time nothing has been formalised and we shall keep all of the options open.

"There are quite a few clubs keeping an eye on the situation and we are in daily contact with all concerned.

"I would like to confirm that no official approach has been made and we shall endeavour to keep all of our fans informed if there are any developments."

Rushden have recently been taken over by their Supporters' Trust, meaning some confusion over who is actually running the club in the short term.

Swansea's next move could be to reaffirm their £80,000 bid - a £5,000 increase on the original offer Kenny Jackett saw rejected back in January.

Northampton and Oxford - managed by former Diamonds boss Brian Talbot - are among the other clubs believed to be chasing Burgess.

The skilful 24-year-old midfielder was placed on the transfer list at his own request last month but has so far given no indication of where he intends to go.

Jenkins is in little doubt.

"We would think that any player would like to join us," he said.

"They would have the chance to play in front of crowds of 15 or 20,000 and be part of a team which is pushing for promotion to the Championship.

"At the moment, though, we're in a situation where certain players are being denied that opportunity by their clubs."

Swansea City have tabled an increased offer of £80,000 for Rushden & Diamonds midfielder Andy Burgess. And while they have not ruled out upping their £130,000 bid for Grant Holt, Swansea say they may turn their attentions elsewhere because of Rochdale's unrealistic demands.

Chairman Huw Jenkins is growing increasingly frustrated by Swansea's failure so far to land two of their top summer transfer targets.

"We've made a fresh offer to Rushden for Andy Burgess, but we're stuck in the farcical situation where there is no-one available at the club to discuss the possible transfer of a player in the last year of his contract," Jenkins said.

"As for Grant Holt, we may have to look elsewhere because Rochdale's valuation is unrealistic.

"I've had one conversation with one of their directors who said unless they got £200,000, they would be keeping hold of him.

"With football finances the way they are, it's hard to see how these clubs cannot cash in. If you need money and you are offered it, you would normally do something about it."

Midfielder Burgess has been placed on the transfer list at Nene Park at his own request.

The subject of a £75,000 Swansea bid in January, he is also attracting interest from Colin Calderwood's Northampton and Oxford, where former Diamonds boss Brian Talbot is the manager.

"Andy has asked for a transfer and stated his desire to play at a higher level," Jenkins went on.

"But Rushden's Supporters' Trust have more or less taken over the club and we've had no feedback whatsoever from them.

"It's no wonder some clubs struggle financially if this is how they are run.

"They must realise that with any player in the last year of his contract, as is the case with Andy and Grant, transfer value decreases with each week that passes."

After Dale again attempted to warn off Holt's suitors yesterday, Jenkins claimed their asking price was way over the top.

The Swansea chief pointed to the transfers of Dave Nugent, who left Bury for Preston for less than £100,000 last season and Andy Kirk, who joined Northampton from Boston for £125,000 in March.

"Our understanding is that Grant Holt has indicated to Rochdale that he wants to move on," he went on.

"We've made them an offer which is certainly fair when you look at other transfers at this level in recent times, so it's a shame they are denying the player the chance to play for a bigger club in a higher division.

"We will be very disappointed if we start the new season without Grant Holt, but it may be that we have to do that. There's a little bit of room for manoeuvre as far as our offer goes, but not much."

Dale's desire to keep Holt is understandable - the 24-year-old powerhouse notched 24 goals last season.

"We aren't in negotiations or dialogue with any club," stressed Spotland director Jim Fagan. "They (Swansea and Yeovil) have put bids in and we've turned them down."

STAR striker Lee Trundle hopes Swansea City's promotion to League One will help him finally realise his Republic of Ireland dream.
Liverpool-born Trundle first alerted boss Brian Kerr of his eligibility to play for Ireland two seasons ago when the Swans were in the old Third Division.

Kerr's response at the time was somewhat less than encouraging - play at a higher level or you're unlikely to be considered for an international call-up.

Now that Swansea are preparing for life one step up the league ladder, however, Trundle is hoping Kerr will give fresh consideration to his Irish credentials.

"The Ireland manager said he might consider me if I was playing at a higher level so hopefully there is a chance," said the man who netted 22 league goals for Swansea during the promotion-winning campaign.

"By a 'higher level', I don't know whether Brian Kerr meant the Championship or the Premiership, but if I'm scoring goals regularly next season, I think I'd deserve a chance."

Trundle isn't concerned that playing in League One has effectively ended the international careers of Republic stars like Jason McAteer and Stephen McPhail in recent seasons.

"That doesn't worry me because I haven't had a cap yet and I really believe I'm on the way up with Swansea rather than heading down," said the 28-year-old Scouser. "Stepping up into League One doesn't faze me at all. I feel I can score as many goals as I did in League Two and, even if we got to the Championship, I believe I could do well at that level too.

"The possibility of an Ireland call-up is an extra incentive for me to help Swansea try to get promoted again next season. The play-offs are certainly a realistic target for us.

"People say there's a massive difference between League Two and League One, but I don't think there is.

"There will be a couple of teams at the top who've got better players, but, apart from that, there isn't going to be much to chose between the teams in the division."

If Trundle does set League One alight next term, it might well be worth Ireland taking a look at him because whenever their record goalscorer Robbie Keane is unavailable, forward men with real goal-scoring prowess are thin on the ground.

That much was obvious during the Republic's 2-0 win over the Faroe Islands on Wednesday when Kerr's men missed a host of chances with Sunderland's Stephen Elliott handed the tough task of deputising for the injured Keane.

Will Trundle ever get the chance to step into the breach?

"I've had no contact with Brian Kerr recently, but all I can do is keep scoring goals for Swansea and hope that he decides to take a look at me," said the former Wrexham player.

"I'm 28 now, so if I'm going to get a chance at international level, realistically it's got to happen within the next couple of years.

"Next year is going to be a big one for me. I want to push on, help Swansea press for promotion and if anything happens with Ireland it'll be a major bonus."

Trundle is anticipating some activity in the transfer market over the next couple of weeks as Swans boss Kenny Jackett looks to bolster his squad.

It remains to be seen whether Jackett will increase his £125,000 offer for Rochdale's Grant Holt, but if he doesn't a new striker is likely to be recruited from elsewhere.

"We'll have so many strikers at the club next season we'll have to play seven up front!" Trundle joked. "It looks as if the gaffer is going to make a few new signings which can only make us stronger.

"And considering that we've got a few players who've played at this level before, I'm confident we can challenge at the top end of the league again."

SWANSEA are hopeful that safety certificates will be in place to guarantee a 20,000 capacity mark for pre-season friendlies with Premiership clubs Fulham and Blackburn Rovers on July 23 and July 30.

Manager Dave Hodgson has quelled speculation linking Swansea striker Paul Connor with a move to Darlington.

Hodgson revealed he had contacted Swans manager Kenny Jackett regarding Connor's availability - as he thought the former Rochdale man had been released.

As this is not the case, Hodgson has now ended his interest in the 26-year-old forward.

"I must admit I did speak to Kenny Jackett but it ended there," Hodgson told Darlington's official website. "I only did that because I was misled, or misinformed, that the player has technically been freed.

"It ended there because he hasn't bee freed and they want a transfer fee for him. So as far as I am concerned, that is us out of the equation without doubt."

Bookies believe Swansea City can do a Hull by claiming back-to-back promotions. Jack Brown give Kenny Jackett's side little chance of claiming the League One title at the first attempt, placing them well down the market at 25-1.

But the Welsh-based firm price Swansea at just 5-1 to claim promotion to the Championship via any route.

That compares to the odds of 4-1 on offer 12 months ago on Jackett's men escaping League Two last term.

"We think Swansea could have a very good season," said Jack Brown's Karl Williams.

"League One is a trickier division than the one they've just got out of because there are only two automatic promotion places.

"But it can be done, as Hull City proved last season.

"They probably need a couple of new players, but I'm sure they will get them over the summer.

"So 5-1 to go up via any route looks a good bet to me. If I was a Swansea punter, that's what I'd have my money on."

Two-time European Cup winners Nottingham Forest are the predictable favourites for the League One title at 4-1, with Tranmere 8-1 followed by Bristol City and Huddersfield at 9-1.

Yeovil (18-1) are the most fancied of the four clubs promoted from the Coca-Cola basement last month ahead of Southend and Scunthorpe (both 33-1).

Port Vale, MK Dons, Colchester and Blackpool are unfancied 40-1 shots, with Chesterfield rank outsiders at 66-1.

Jackett, meanwhile, was due back from his summer holiday today ready to raid the transfer market.

"A lot of enquiries have already been made about a lot of players," said Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins.

"And I would think that from next week onwards we will be stepping up our interest in certain people to make things a bit clearer before the start of pre-season.

"That's not to say that everything will be done by the end of the month - players could still be coming in at the end of July.

"The good thing is that we haven't got to jump at anything. We could almost start with what we've got already, so we'll be taking our time to make sure we get the right people."

Swansea have confirmed they will face Premiership Blackburn Rovers in their second high-profile pre-season friendly.

Mark Hughes's team will come to the new stadium at Morfa on July 30, a week after Chris Coleman's Fulham visit for Alan Curtis's testimonial.

STAYING PUT: Kristian O'Leary

ORIENT boss Martin Ling's attempts to sign Swansea's Kristian O'Leary have failed, after the midfielder agreed a new two-year contract with the Welsh club, writes Peter King.

It is believed that Ling saw 6ft-tall O'Leary as the ideal central midfield player he needs to strengthen the O's in the middle of the park.

But the 27-year-old, who has made over 200 starts with the Swans since coming through their youth set-up, has turned down interest from both the east Londoners and fellow League Two outfit Peterborough to stay with the newly promoted Welshmen.

Meanwhile Orient will face Millwall in a pre-season friendly on Saturday July 23 at the New Den.

Swansea City have said a final fond farewell to Vetch Field. The gates at the old ground have been locked for the last time after 93 years' service.
The club's staff are now operating from the Swans' new £27 million home at Morfa, even though the 20,500-capacity stadium is not yet finished.

"It's not ideal," admitted Swans director David Morgan.

"The phone lines and the computers are not yet up and running at the new stadium and the new office furniture hasn't arrived.

"But we're managing to get through and the surroundings at our new home make up for any slight problems."

The Vetch was partially dismantled by fans after Wrexham were beaten in the ground's final game last month.

Mr Morgan added: "We needed to make the move as quickly as possible and brought it forward a couple of weeks because of the situation after Wrexham.

"People were just wandering in and taking anything that was left so we had to keep the gates locked all the time. That's not an ideal working environment to say the least.

"It's very sad to be saying the last goodbye to the Vetch because of its great history and the many happy memories we all have of the place.

"But then you look at where we are going next and it cheers you up.

"I am sure that anybody who has visited the new stadium is very much looking forward to the dawning of a new era."

Leaving the Vetch meant saying farewell to long-serving staff members like Myra Powles and Joyce Butler, in the ticket office, and dinner ladies Sylvia Israel and Doris Arthur.

"These people were there for many, many years and have been wonderful servants to the club, turning their hands to whatever was required," said Mr Morgan.

"We are grateful to them and sad to see them go, but things move on."

The Vetch is back in the hands of Swansea Council, which must now decide what is next for the site. Its planners are currently drawing up a series of ideas as part of a wider scheme for the Sandfields area.

No date has yet been set for the demolition of what is left of the old ground, where 24-hour security is in operation.

Most eyes, though, are on the new stadium, where only four hospitality boxes are yet to sell and 1,100 of the 1,200 premier club seats have gone.

Season ticket sales continue to boom, with the total thought to be approaching double last season's tally of 3,700.

Fan Ken Henshaw, of Killay, a regular at the Vetch for more than 30 years, said: "It is sad to see it go. But times do change and its replacement looks to me to be well up to the job.''

Kenny Jackett is close to extending his Swansea City contract while No. 2 Kevin Nugent has agreed a new deal. Boss Jackett, whose current terms expire in 12 months' time, is set to finalise his new agreement in the next few weeks.

And assistant manager Nugent, 36, has already wrapped up a new one-year deal keeping him at Swansea's new stadium until the summer of 2006.

The veteran striker will again be registered as a player next season and could play some part in the club's bid to reach the League One play-offs if required.

"Kenny and Kevin have worked very well together," said Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins.

"They get on well and they have formed a very good partnership, so of course we're pleased to have sorted out a new deal for Kevin.

"This is his first coaching job, but Kenny is very happy with how things have gone and so are we.

"To be honest, Kevin's new deal was pretty simple to sort out.

"We have spoken to Kenny, too, about extending his contract, and we're optimistic that will all be done pretty soon as well.

"We'll be talking more when he returns from his holiday."

Jackett signed a two-year deal when he switched from Queens Park Rangers in the spring of 2004, while Nugent was appointed second in command on a 12-month contract last summer.

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed the word Swans is to be written into the seats in the lower section of the family stand at their new stadium in the next few weeks.

The refit is being paid for by Swansea's official travel club.

"The fans can be proud that they contributed to the final look of the new stadium," said director David Morgan.

With ticket sales at Morfa continuing to soar, Swansea have stressed that the 3,000-strong allocation for away fans at the 20,500-capacity arena can be lowered if required.

"If, for argument's sake, a visiting club only brought 1,000 fans, we could get an additional 2,000 home supporters into the ground because of the way the stadium has been designed," Morgan added.

"Rival supporters will be separated by sacking placed over seats rather than fences."

Australian youngsters Matthew Gordon and Ian Ramsey, formerly of Sydney Olympic and Sydney United respectively, will try to impress Jackett by spending part of pre-season with Swansea.

Rochdale have rejected a new improved Swansea bid for striker Grant Holt, thought to be close to £130,000. Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins told BBC Sport Wales that Rochdale are asking significantly more for 24-year-old Holt, who scored 24 goals last season.

"There is an on-going dialogue with Rochdale," Jenkins said.

"I think they're prepared to sell Grant, but naturally they're trying to get as much as they can for him and are actively trying to get other bids in."

League Two champions Yeovil Town, promoted alongside Swansea, have also had an offer for Holt rejected by Rochdale.

The ex-Sheffield Wednesday striker has yet to sign an extension to his current contract, which has just another 12 months to run, and that may force Rochdale to cash in on their prize asset while they can.

The Rochdale board has suggested that it would take £300,000 to prise Holt away from Spotland.

But Jenkins says that valuation is unrealistic for a striker from League Two.

"We do think he would be a great asset for us, but most players who have gone to other clubs lately from League Two have sold for possibly £100,000 to £150,000," Jenkins added.

"I think we are on the right track with the value of him, but I can understand Rochdale trying to get a bit more.

"So we'll keep monitoring that and hopefully our persistence will pay off."

Meanwhile, Australian youngsters Matthew Gordon, a midfielder from Sydney Olympic, and former Sydney United player Ian Ramsey have been invited to attend pre-season training with the Swans as they seek a contract in the UK.

NEWLY-PROMOTED Swansea City have made a strong statement of intent by lodging a bumper £125,000 bid for one of their top transfer targets.
But they might have to come up with an even better offer after League Two outfit Rochdale turned down the six-figure sum for their star striker Grant Holt.

It is the second time Swansea have failed in an attempt to sign the 24-year-old after an initial £75,000 offer for him was rejected in February.

Jackett, boosted by the news yesterday that last year's player-of-the-season Kris O'Leary has agreed to sign a new two-year deal, was keen to make Holt his first summer signing.

The former Sheffield Wednesday striker stood out last term as one of League Two's star performers, scoring 24 goals - including one in Rochdale's 2-2 draw at the Vetch in March - and Jackett wants to team the beefy forward with Lee Trundle.

But, despite Swansea lodging a rare six-figure sum for the Carlisle-born player, Rochdale rejected Jackett's advances for a second time.

The Spotland club have also turned down an offer for Holt from League Two champions Yeovil. Glovers boss Gary Johnson described the Somerset club's bid as "substantial", though it is understood to be less than Swansea's.

Jackett, who returns from holiday later this week, must now decide whether his budget will stretch to making another improved offer for Holt, though it seems highly unlikely Swansea will meet the £300,000 valuation Rochdale have placed on the player.

And Dale director Jim Fagan said, "Unless someone comes in with an offer that we can't refuse, then he'll be playing for Rochdale next season and hopefully beyond."

He added, "It's always nice when other clubs come in for one of your players, but to be honest the reported 'substantial' bid from Yeovil Town wasn't substantial enough for us.

"As the manager Steve Parkin has said before, we are looking to build a side capable of pushing for promotion next season and we aren't going to dismantle it by selling one of our key players.

"To be honest we have turned down bigger offers for Grant Holt in the past and we are looking to extend his contract with us further than the one year he has left.

"He, along with other players in the squad, are key to the future and will therefore carry a higher price tag."

Holt is one of at least three names Jackett placed on his early-shopping summer list after Swansea clinched promotion to League One on the final day of last season.

The Swans boss also identified Bristol City winger Marc Goodfellow, who has a loan spell at the Vetch last season, and Rushden and Diamonds midfielder Andy Burgess as top pre-season targets.

Holt took his time to make a mark in league football after spells at non-league level with Halifax, Workington and Barrow.

But his career has taken off since joining Rochdale in January 2004, scoring 27 goals in 59 games for the Lancashire club.

While it remains to be seen whether Holt, Burgess or Goodfellow will end up in South Wales, one player who'll definitely be at the club next season is O'Leary.

Following midfielder Leon Britton and defender Izzy Iriekpen, Port Talbot-born O'Leary has become the latest out-of-contract player to agree to extend his stay at Swansea by accepting Jackett's offer of a new two-year deal.

O'Leary was voted player of the year by the fans after a hugely successful conversion from defender to midfielder during the promotion-winning campaign.

Swansea City have had a bumper six-figure bid for Rochdale striker Grant Holt rejected. The Evening Post understands Swansea offered around £130,000 for the sought-after frontman in the wake of their promotion to League One.

Dale, who turned down Kenny Jackett's bid of £75,000 for Holt in February, again rebuffed Swansea and snubbed a recent bid in the region of £100,000 from Yeovil Town.

But amid speculation that Holt is ready to quit Spotland, Swansea have not given up hope of capturing the former Sheffield Wednesday man.

Despite having another year to run on his current contract, Carlisle-born Holt was offered an extension by Dale last month.

But it is believed the 24-year-old, who notched 24 goals last season, has told the Lancashire club he is interested in moving on.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins confirmed a second offer had been tabled for Holt, though he would not talk figures.

He said: "All I will say is that we have kept up our interest in Grant Holt and we have made it clear to Rochdale that we would like to sign him. Our offer still stands and we are now waiting to see if there are any further developments."

Dale insist they are keen to hold on to their star striker, though any plea from Holt to leave could force their hand.

Unless they cash in now, the League Two side face losing him for nothing in 12 months' time.

Boss Steve Parkin has expressed an interest in released Southend marksman Tes Bramble and is being linked with Lincoln's Simon Yeo - two possible replacements for Holt should he depart.

Were Swansea to shell out £130,000, it would be the biggest transfer fee paid by the club since Shaun Garnett arrived from Tranmere for £200,000 back in 1996.

But Dale director Jim Fagan warned: ''Unless someone comes in with an offer that we can't refuse then Grant will be playing for us next season.''

Rochdale old boy Paul Connor, meanwhile, is attracting interest from Darlington. Quakers boss David Hodgson has spelt out a desire to recruit local lads this summer and confirmed that Swansea striker Connor, originally from Bishop Auckland, features on his list of targets.

Swansea, though, have played down the chances of last season's 13-goal second top-scorer moving on.

"It's nice if other clubs are interested in our players because it means we must be doing something right," Jenkins said.

"But, as I said last week after the rumours concerning Lee Trundle, we don't want anybody leaving.

"With the new transfer window rules coming in we're looking to add to our squad before the start of the season, not make it smaller.

"This is the first I've heard of Darlington being interested in Paul Connor. We haven't had an offer for or a phonecall about any of our players from other clubs."

Kristian O'Leary has agreed a two-year extension to his Swansea City contract. Last season's player of the year will now remain at the club he has already served for a decade until 2007.

"It's all been sorted out," said Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins.

"We're all pleased. Kris had a very good season last year and we look forward to seeing more of the same from him in the future."

The added security of a two-year deal is welcome for O'Leary (above).

Three separate Swansea contracts have expired in each of the last three summers, leaving the Port Talbot product waiting to see what the future might hold on each occasion.

What was not in doubt this time around was Swansea's desire to keep him.

Boss Kenny Jackett has been delighted with the 27-year-old since switching him from defence to midfield and now sees him as a key figure in his plans.

O'Leary, who will now get a testimonial match, was always keen to stay with his sole professional club.

As negotiations over a new deal dragged, however, fears grew that he could move on, with Peterborough United and Leyton Orient both admirers.

But O'Leary's representative, Wayne Elsey, stressed: "Kris always wanted to stay and he's delighted that it's all been sorted out now.

"He's looking forward to starting a new life in the new stadium and in a higher division."

O'Leary, currently away on holiday, is likely to sign his new deal inside the next week.

Kevin Austin, Leon Britton, Izzy Iriekpen and Brian Murphy are also due to put pen to paper soon after verbally committing to new Swansea contracts.

O'Leary's testimonial game is likely to be played at the end of next season.

Andy Morrell is stalling over a new deal with Coventry City

The popular Morrell has been offered fresh terms by boss Micky Adams but is looking for assurances that he will be playing in his favoured striking position next season after a year spent mainly on the right side of midfield.

"Andy has been offered a new deal by Coventry," his agent Lee Payne told skysports.com.

"But he wants to be play as a striker, he a natural-born goalscorer and scoring goals is what he does best."

Swansea have just been promoted to League One and see the former Wrexham man as a potential signing, especially if they lose Lee Trundle to Hull City.

NEWLY-PROMOTED Swansea City have made a strong statement of intent by lodging a bumper £125,000 bid for one of their top transfer targets.
But they might have to come up with an even better offer after League Two outfit Rochdale turned down the six-figure sum for their star striker Grant Holt.

It is the second time Swansea have failed in an attempt to sign the 24-year-old after an initial £75,000 offer for him was rejected in February.

Jackett, boosted by the news yesterday that last year's player-of-the-season Kris O'Leary has agreed to sign a new two-year deal, was keen to make Holt his first summer signing.

The former Sheffield Wednesday striker stood out last term as one of League Two's star performers, scoring 24 goals - including one in Rochdale's 2-2 draw at the Vetch in March - and Jackett wants to team the beefy forward with Lee Trundle.

But, despite Swansea lodging a rare six-figure sum for the Carlisle-born player, Rochdale rejected Jackett's advances for a second time.

The Spotland club have also turned down an offer for Holt from League Two champions Yeovil. Glovers boss Gary Johnson described the Somerset club's bid as "substantial", though it is understood to be less than Swansea's.

Jackett, who returns from holiday later this week, must now decide whether his budget will stretch to making another improved offer for Holt, though it seems highly unlikely Swansea will meet the £300,000 valuation Rochdale have placed on the player.

And Dale director Jim Fagan said, "Unless someone comes in with an offer that we can't refuse, then he'll be playing for Rochdale next season and hopefully beyond."

He added, "It's always nice when other clubs come in for one of your players, but to be honest the reported 'substantial' bid from Yeovil Town wasn't substantial enough for us.

"As the manager Steve Parkin has said before, we are looking to build a side capable of pushing for promotion next season and we aren't going to dismantle it by selling one of our key players.

"To be honest we have turned down bigger offers for Grant Holt in the past and we are looking to extend his contract with us further than the one year he has left.

"He, along with other players in the squad, are key to the future and will therefore carry a higher price tag."

Holt is one of at least three names Jackett placed on his early-shopping summer list after Swansea clinched promotion to League One on the final day of last season.

The Swans boss also identified Bristol City winger Marc Goodfellow, who has a loan spell at the Vetch last season, and Rushden and Diamonds midfielder Andy Burgess as top pre-season targets.

Holt took his time to make a mark in league football after spells at non-league level with Halifax, Workington and Barrow.

But his career has taken off since joining Rochdale in January 2004, scoring 27 goals in 59 games for the Lancashire club.

While it remains to be seen whether Holt, Burgess or Goodfellow will end up in South Wales, one player who'll definitely be at the club next season is O'Leary.

Following midfielder Leon Britton and defender Izzy Iriekpen, Port Talbot-born O'Leary has become the latest out-of-contract player to agree to extend his stay at Swansea by accepting Jackett's offer of a new two-year deal.

O'Leary was voted player of the year by the fans after a hugely successful conversion from defender to midfielder during the promotion-winning campaign.

Swansea City are eyeing Australian youngsters Matthew Gordon and Ian Ramsey.

The duo are both set to link-up with the Swans for pre-season training as they look to land permanent deals in South Wales.

Both players have attracted interest from a number of other clubs, but Swans boss Kenny Jackett has been given first option on the duo.

Gordon, who is currently with Sydney Olympic, has previously trained with Millwall but is now hoping to seal a move to Swansea

Ramsey was with Sydney United, but he left them last season and has been training with Australian fitness coach David Lee.

Andy Morrell is considering his Coventry City future.

The 30-year-old striker is out of contract with The Sky Blues, but he has been offered fresh terms.

However, Morrell is not sure whether to pledge his future to Coventry as he wants to be used more as a striker.

Morrell found himself stuck on the wing for large portions of last season and he does not want to go through another campaign not playing in his preferred central striking role.

"Andy has been offered a new deal by Coventry," his agent Lee Payne told skysports.com.

"But he wants to be play as a striker, he a natural-born goalscorer and scoring goals is what he does best."

Morrell joined Coventry last summer on a free transfer from Wrexham and despite being played out of position he still managed nine league goals.

Swansea City have been mentioned as possible suitors, but there is also believed to be sizeable interest from within The Championship.

James Thomas believes he will be fit for pre-season training and can prove he is worth a new Swansea City contract. The Morriston-born striker missed most of the promotion-winning campaign with a knee injury, but after three operations he is looking forward to the new season with renewed optimism after starting light jogging last week.

But despite being on the road to recovery, Thomas feels that he could have played more of a part in Swansea's promotion.

''They kept telling me that they could not find out what was wrong with it and there was nothing more that they could for me,'' said Thomas.

''But I knew that it wasn't right and it was a big boost when they discovered the problem. During that time it was very hard for me to stay focused and it did cross my mind that I wouldn't be able to play again.''

The injury meant Thomas struggled to enjoy the party atmosphere at the club after May's promotion-clincher at Bury.

''Being a local lad it is good to see the club get promoted as they move to the new stadium,'' he said.

''But for me it was hard as I felt that I wasn't part of it all as I've been injured for so long.''

Following keyhole surgery in February to his injured knee, the 26-year-old striker is targeting July 1 as his comeback date - the day Swansea return to pre-season training.

''I am hoping to be ready to go straight back into training when all the lads come back. Then I have a month to prove myself to the manager to try to get a new contract.

''He (Kenny Jackett) hasn't seen what I can do but I am hoping to change that when everybody starts training again.''

While the rest of Jackett's squad are enjoying their summer break, Thomas is in the gym every day strengthening his knee.

A breakthrough came last week - he was able to get two light jogging sessions under his belt.

''I had forgotten what it was like to do any running,'' he said. ''I felt a little sore but it was good to be able to do it again.

''I have done a lot of swimming and plenty of weights on the upper body and some light weights on the knee.

''It's hard work and it can be quite boring at times, but it is something I have to do.''

Physio Richie Evans has been pleased with Thomas's attitude.

''James has been working really hard since the op 10 weeks ago,'' he said.

''He is getting a little bit more function, he is building up strength in his leg and he has got a bit more balance.

''He is spot on in terms of progression. The consultant gave him four months' rehabilitation. I'm hoping to have James back in pre-season training a couple of weeks after the others, but hopefully he will be able to step straight in.

''He is working on his strength and cardiovascular fitness with the bike and pool work.

''He has been a different class throughout this whole period. His attitude has helped him through. A lot of questions had been asked about him and about how bad the injury was as we didn't have a full diagnosis.

''But after two operations and several scans we were able to diagnose the problem and get him sorted.''

Meanwhile, Yeovil Town have had an undisclosed bid for Swansea target Grant Holt turned down.

Jackett saw a £75,000 bid for the Rochdale powerhouse snubbed in February.

"We did make an offer, a substantial offer, which was rejected," said Yeovil boss Gary Johnson.

"Unless Rochdale reconsider that offer we will turn our sights to other targets."

MARK HUGHES will bring his Blackburn Rovers side to Wales next month in a showpiece match lined up to help mark the opening of Swansea City's new stadium.

The former Wales boss has agreed to play Kenny Jackett's side in the second of two high-profile friendlies the Swans have arranged to officially unveil their new home at Morfa.

Blackburn's visit on July 30, which will be confirmed by the club next week, takes place seven days after former Vetch Field favourite Chris Coleman brings his Fulham team to play at the 20,000-seater stadium.

The game could also see the appearance of Rovers' former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage following his controversial retirement from international football earlier this year.

"We're delighted that we've been able to attract these two Premiership sides with such good Welsh connections to help mark the opening of the new stadium," said Swans director David Morgan.

"One week we'll have the return of a former Wales and Swansea player and the next the return of a former Wales manager.

"We're looking forward to what should be two exciting pre-season matches for us."

The newly-promoted League One club hope both matches will attract a sell-out crowd to the still unnamed arena which they will share with the Ospreys regional rugby side.

Morgan said capacity for the Fulham match would be pegged at 15,000 - a safety stipulation since it is the first game to be played at the new ground.

It should, however, be up to full capacity - 20,000 - for Blackburn's visit seven days later.

Swansea expect to complete the move out of the Vetch and into their new home within the next week.

Club chairman Huw Jenkins, meanwhile, has quashed speculation linking Lee Trundle with a move away from Swansea, with Hull City the latest club rumoured to be lining up a bid for the striker.

Jenkins said, "Lee is not for sale, and while I know these are only rumours, I want to make it clear the player still has two years left on his contract and we want him to stay."

DALE have demonstrated their determination to hang on to star striker Grant Holt by turning down bids from two Coca-Cola League One clubs.

Observer Sport believe Holt has been a target for Swansea and Yeovil, who were both promoted from League Two last month.

Swansea came in with an initial offer and, when that was turned down, returned with an improved bid which was also refused.

Yeovil also submitted an offer but Observer Sport believe the figure quoted was derisory and immediately rejected.

Holt has a contract at Spotland for next season, but the club is keen to extend his deal.

He is among six players currently mulling over new contract offers. Gary Jones, Matt Gilks, Scott Warner and Neil Edwards are the others, while Gareth Griffiths and Tony Gallimore this week verbally agreed to extend their stay at Spotland.

The pair are expected to officially put pen-to-paper in the next few weeks.

Dale’s stance in resisting the offers for Holt speaks volumes for the club’s ambition.

With record season-ticket sales and a young squad very much on the up, the feelgood factor around Spotland comes as no surprise.

For the last two seasons Dale fans have been faced with the prospect of battling relegation, but this time around there is genuine optimism.

Dale’s fight to keep top-scorer Holt reinforces that feeling.

His goals played a huge role in carrying Dale to the brink of the play-offs and, had he not been suspended for three matches toward the end of the campaign, Dale might well have sealed a place among the top seven.

Holt’s disciplinary record is something he and manager Steve Parkin will work on over the next few months.

Parkin this week expressed his interest in striker Tes Bramble, who was released by Southend United this week following a spell on loan with Cambridge towards the end of the season.

Parkin said of Bramble: “Tes is a good player and I’ve held discussions with him already.

“He fell out of favour at Southend and went on loan to Cambridge. Despite the fact he joined a struggling team he managed a goal every three games and he impressed me in our game at the Abbey Stadium in April.

“That change of circumstances obviously suited him well and by offering him the chance to stay in the Football League I hope he chooses to move north. Talks are at a very early stage.”

Bramble is holidaying in Barbados this week while Parkin is away in Greece, but it is expected the two parties will hold further discussions next week.

The Dale boss has already said he is looking to bring in around five new players before the start of the season.

Huw Jenkins last night issued a hands-off warning to any club thinking of making a move for Swansea City's star striker Lee Trundle. With speculation growing of Coca-Cola Championship sides plotting a move for the club's top scorer, Jenkins insists that the 29-year-old hitman is not for sale as the club prepare to launch an assault on League One next season.

Rumours surrounding the 22-goal striker suggest that Hull City, Southampton and Leicester City are courting the fans' favourite.

"We are not interested in selling our best players," said chairman Jenkins. "We want to strengthen our squad for next season, not sell our top players.

"Lee is not for sale and while I know these are only rumours I want to make it clear that the player still has two years left on his contract and we want him to stay.

"We want more success like we have had this year and as far as we are concerned Lee is going nowhere because we want more seasons like the one we have just had."

Speculation over Trundle's future at Swansea is nothing new due to his flamboyancy on the pitch.

"Obviously Lee attracts a lot of attention for the number of goals he scores and the way he plays the game but we see him as a vital part of our squad," added Jenkins.

With the PFA releasing the out of contract players' list yesterday, Jenkins revealed that Swansea boss Kenny Jackett had already started enquiries on several targets he wants to bring to the new stadium at Morfa next season before he jetted of to Florida last week.

"We haven't seen the list yet, but Kenny has already spoken to a few players," he said.

"But we don't expect any movement until the middle of the month as players, managers and agents are still on holidays.

"With the transfer window coming into place for Football League clubs this year we have to make sure we have a big enough squad.

"As regard to the players out of contract (Izzy Iriekpen, Leon Britton, Kevin Austin, Kristian O'Leary and Brian Murphy) we expect to have them all signed within a week to 10 days.

"We have only just moved offices and that is why it has taken so long."

Jenkins was also pleased with the way season tickets have been selling for the new stadium.

But he has not been surprised by the level of support the fans have shown this summer.

"We always knew that with getting promotion and moving to a new stadium that the level of support was going to be high," he added.

"Hopefully with the new signings we hope to make, tickets will continue to go well and the extra money we make from the season tickets will go straight back into strengthening the squad."

Big name bands are lining up to play at Swansea's new stadium in Morfa next year, it has been revealed. Finishing touches are currently being put to the £27 million stadium before it is due to stage its first game in July.

The 20,000-seater facility, which has received a resounding thumbs-up from players and administrators who have visited it during construction, will be home to the Neath-Swansea Ospreys rugby team and Swansea City FC. But the stadium's management has also been marketing it as a potential venue to stage concerts and host bands.

And according to an industry outsider involved in selling the stadium, a number of major bands have already expressed a strong interest in coming to the city to perform next summer.

"It would be impossible to stage any concerts this summer because of the pitch, which needs time to settle," said the source.

"But they are looking at a number of bands for next year who have expressed an interest.

"A lot of names are being bandied about and actively pursued - and they are major acts - and bands have been coming to us as well with an interest in playing here.

"It is an excellent stadium with great facilities, so all options are being pursued."

Securing a band with a household profile would be a major coup for the management. It is possible that other big music attractions such as Party in the Park and Escape in the Park, currently held in Singleton Park, might be switched in future years.

Six years ago, the Stereophonics played a triumphant gig at the former Morfa athletics ground but stadium managers believe the new facilities would provide greater appeal to touring bands, with significant knock-on effects for the local economy.

"I just cannot reveal the bands we are in talks with at the moment," added the source.

"But they are big, big bands."

Swansea striker Lee Trundle has drawn comparisons with his own club and Hull City - his potential future employers.

The Liverpool-born striker has been linked with a £1million move to Championship outfits Southampton, Leicester and Hull.

Trundle has admitted the lure of the KC Stadium could provide him with a great challenge next term, despite the Swans' own promotion to League One.

He said: "Hull have won two straight promotions and have got a nice new stadium. It's like Swansea going up this year and moving to our new stadium at the start of next season.

"I'd read about the speculation linking me with Southampton and Leicester, but to hear about Hull being interested is another little boost.

"If the opportunity to move arose then it's something I'd have to think about because obviously I want to test myself at the highest level possible."

Footballers like to get involved in other things outside of football such as fashion and it's great Lee wants to do a bit of acting

The player more used to entertaining on the field will follow in the footsteps of former Wales captain Vinnie Jones by trying his hand at acting.

It should not be too much of a stretch as he has been cast in the role of a footballer in Funkface!, written by Swansea playwright Binda Singh.

He is due to appear from 13-15 February at the city's Grand Theatre.

Trundle has become a cult hero among Swans' fans for his showmanship and spectacular goals.

Executive producer Roger Lawrence said he was delighted to have secured the services of the 28-year-old striker, whose 22 goals helped Swansea to promotion to League One.

"It's his first stage performance and he is really looking forward to it," he said.

"Footballers like to get involved in other things outside of football such as fashion and it's great Lee wants to do a bit of acting."

The play, based on a true story, is set in a department store and follows a single mother who sets up a fashion label.


"It's set in the make-up department of a department store and Lee is there as a footballer who is part of a fashion show. He is very much playing himself."

Others involved in the production are Swansea-born TV presenter and model Liz Fuller, entertainer Kevin Johns and BBC Radio Wales presenter Chris Needs who will direct.

When Funkface! premiered in the Comedy Store in Manchester last year Trundle's role was played by Sheffield United's Ashley Ward.

Mr Lawrence is already looking for other candidates from the sporting world to be given their chance when the play tours Wales.

"We will look to have the leading football player or even rugby player of that city or area in the role that Lee will play in Swansea," he added.


Two other plays by Swansea University lecturer Mr Singh will be performed in the city next month.
Liberating Archie, which explores themes of racial prejudice and homophobia within a small Welsh valleys family, is premiered at the Grand Theatre Arts Wing from 14-17 June.

There will also be a rehearsed reading of the Dylan Thomas-inspired Ugly Lovely Night at the Dylan Thomas Centre on 24 June.

Swansea City being Swansea City, a soccer season couldn't be allowed to pass without someone getting the bullet. This is a football club which, after all, has seen 10 managers come and go in barely a decade.

The name of Kenny Jackett couldn't be added to the list this year, not after his success in achieving promotion. But there is an unwritten rule that each term someone has to go.

So they picked on Alan Curtis.

He was axed from his post as head of youth development and is due to have talks soon about an 'ambassadorial' role for the club, quite distinct from the active involvement in dealing with players and team matters that he so obviously enjoys.

All in all, this amounts to quite an unpleasant little episode.

Don't get me wrong. Jackett has every right to appoint who he wants.

He is the boss and he stands or falls by what happens underneath him almost as much as what happens at first-team level.

But the hope has to be that he thought this one through long and hard because he has removed from his back-room team one of the true legends of Swansea football, a man who has lived and breathed the club's cause for much of the past 34 years.

I have not met one person with an unkind word to say about Curtis. He is apparently one of the most decent and personable men in football.

In his media interviews, he comes across as knowledgeable and articulate about the game, too.

And given his vast experience, you would have thought that he would be able to handle the requirements of overseeing a club's youth set-up with some ease.

But we are told that he has paid the price for the lack of Swansea players to have come through the ranks in recent years.

Have people not heard of a fallow season or two, periods when the crop just isn't there regardless of the coach?

Heck, there were probably days when even Rumpelstiltskin struggled to spin gold from straw?

Informed whispers say, anyway, that Curtis has been grappling with the job without the necessary support.

What is beyond doubt is the impressive way he has handled the pain he must have felt after being eased aside by Jackett.

He could have ripped into the club after his second sacking by them in four years.

But that is not Curt's style.

Instead there was quiet dignity.

''Swansea will be at a fantastic new stadium next season and I'm not going to be a part of it, but these things have happened to better people than me,'' he said.

''I'm very disappointed.

''Kenny called me in to see him and I was only there for two minutes.

''He said he wanted to bring his own people in and make a fresh start at the new stadium.

''He was very matter-of-fact about it really, which is his prerogative. As the manager he has the right to make changes.''

No argument there.

But Jackett must be a hard man to be matter-of-fact about parting company with a club icon like Curtis.

The Swansea manager's judgement has proved sound so far during his reign, but, for me, this episode has left a sour taste.

And, just a couple of weeks after the club won promotion to play in League One next season, that's really not how it should be.

Izzy Iriekpen is hoping to have his new Swansea City contract sorted out shortly. The former West Ham United defender's current deal runs out next month and the 23-year-old is keen to extend his stay with the Swans.

"I definitely want to stay," said Iriekpen, who is on holiday in Marbella.

"I'm not sure what is happening with my contract at the moment as the chairman (Huw Jenkins) is on holiday.

"I spoke to my agent a couple of weeks ago and, hopefully, we can get it sorted out shortly."

Iriekpen has been linked to unnamed Coca-Cola Championship clubs as rumours fly around the footballing world about possible transfers.

Despite the rumours, Iriekpen insisted that he was going nowhere.

The defender, who has forged a useful partnership at the heart of Kenny Jackett's back four with Garry Monk, wants to play a part in the beginning of the club's new era in League One and at the new stadium at Morfa.

"I'm not interested in going anywhere else," he said.

"Hopefully, most of the team that won promotion will stay. I want to stay and, hopefully, we can win promotion again."

Meanwhile, former head of youth Alan Curtis has had his meeting with chairman Huw Jenkins put back until Monday, June 6.

Curtis, who was axed from his position with the youth set-up last week, was due to meet Jenkins yesterday to discuss the possibility of a new role within the club.

However, Jenkins was only in the country for 24 hours before jetting off to Portugal for a week.

"Huw had a couple of meetings yesterday before flying off, so the meeting has been put back a week," said Curtis.

"I'm still not sure what he has to offer but it is something I want to do face-to-face and not over the phone."

To book your trip to the new stadium at Morfa to purchase a season ticket in the part of the ground of your choice call the Swansea City/Ospreys hotline on 08712 220905.

The stadium is open weekdays between 10am and 8pm, Saturdays between 10am and 5pm and on Sundays between 10am and 4pm.

David Moss is determined to stop all the best young Welsh players bypassing this corner of South Wales to head for the capital. Swansea City's new head of youth is planning to cast his net and catch the best young talent in Wales and stop them joining Cardiff City's youth academy.

The former Swansea midfielder, who made only a handful of appearances in his 12 months at the club, took over as Swansea new youth supremo following the dismissal of Alan Curtis last week and the 36-year-old is planning a long-term revival of the club's flagging youth set-up.

''What has happened in the past is in the past,'' said Moss.

''It is my job to get all the best young Welsh players to come here and not Cardiff.''

Having been installed as the new head of youth, Moss will work alongside another former Swansea player in Huw Lake - he played for the club between 1981 and 1984 making 19 appearances and scoring twice - the club's new youth development officer, in a bid to see the best young talent in the country come through in Swansea.

''Over the past three years all I have heard is that the best players are going to Cardiff,'' said Moss.

''People are wondering why they are not coming to Swansea and that is a problem that we intend to sort out.

"With everything going on at the club at the moment it is a fantastic time to join.

''The new stadium is a big plus for us and the club winning promotion this year will make big difference.''

The former Dunfermline and Falkirk midfielder, who has spent a year as academy director at Welsh Premier League side Carmarthen, knows that things are not going to change overnight.

''It is going to take a few years before you start to see youngsters in the first team, but what you will see very quickly is the change in planning and the vision.

''It is going to be a busy summer. I have to make sure we have the best coaches and give these coaches technical programmes to work to.

''I also want to find the best players because I want to work with the best players and want to coach them as well."

Kenny Jackett, shares in Moss's view of bringing the best young talent to the new stadium at Morfa.

''Supporters tend to have a big affinity with young players who have come through the ranks at a club,''" said Jackett.

''I know that the Swansea City supporters will have a big affinity with Welsh players who come through the youth set-up and that is going to be the way forward.''

Jackett believes that it is not only Cardiff that Swansea have to compete with, but the highly-rated academy at Bristol City.

"To have an academy you have to spend the best part of a million pounds a year," Jackett explained.

"Clubs like Cardiff and Bristol City have been doing that and we have to compete with them if we are going to get the best Welsh players here."

Kenny Jackett last night explained why he had put Andy Gurney on the transfer list. The former Swindon defender was told not he was no longer required last week and he was placed on the transfer list along with midfielder Gary Fisken.

The defender spent the latter part of the season on the bench and that was a big factor in Jackett telling the 31-year-old he could go.

''(Sam) Ricketts, (Izzy) Iriekpen, (Garry) Monk and (Kevin) Austin have been my first choices and my placing Gurney on the transfer list reflects that he is not first choice."

Jackett said that former Watford midfielder Fisken did not get enough games under his belt in the first team and that is why he was letting the 23-year-old go.

''Naturally they are both disappointed. Since Gary came to the club he has not had many games.''

Gurney was still hoping that over the course of the summer he would be able to change Jackett's mind when the team return to training at the end of June.

''I've got two years left on my contract and I want to stay and prove people wrong,'' Gurney said.

''I have not looked for a move, but if something comes along then we'll see.''

Qpr coach Tony Roberts has tipped Kenny Jackett to be one of the hottest managerial names in British soccer over the next decade. The former Wales international goalkeeper, on duty for the Dragons in their opening Four Nations Semi-pro clash against Scotland in Ireland this afternoon, insists Jackett's exit from Rangers 13 months ago left a gaping hole at Loftus Road.

Roberts, who plays for Dagenham & Redbridge, said: ''Nobody at QPR is surprised about Kenny making such a huge impact at Swansea.

''He obviously brought a lot of his own players to the club last summer and has shown an ability to mould a stack of new players into a real force.

''If the Swansea directors continue to back Kenny's judgement you get the feeling that the Swans will be a club on the march - particularly with them playing from a new stadium next season.

Roberts added: ''It was a big blow to Rangers when Kenny left us. But everyone at the club understood that he felt the need to discover if he could do the business in his own right as a manager.''

Roberts went on: "I'm convinced Jackett has what it takes to manage at the very top. He is a nice guy who can be ruthless if the need demands.''

David Moss and Huw Lake have been handed the job of rejuvenating Swansea City's youth team. The duo were appointed by Kenny Jackett yesterday, following the shock departure of Alan Curtis last week.

Moss, a former Swansea player, has been made head of youth, while Lake, who has been scouting for the Swans during the past season, is the club's youth development officer.

Jackett is hoping that the pair will be able to bring through homegrown players into the senior ranks as the club look to revive a tradition of bringing through stars like Dean Saunders.

''I know the supporters take affinity to young players who have come through the youth ranks at a club and that is something I want to do here,'' said Jackett.

''I want to get the best young Welsh players here at Swansea and by bringing in Huw and David I hope to achieve this.

''I want a fresh start with my own people and the youth area is something that we need to improve on.

''Over the past few years, youth football has suffered a little bit because of the club's financial situation and changes in the boardroom and now with the club on the up we want to address that situation.''

Jackett paid tribute to Curtis, the man he removed from the post of head of youth last week, and hopes he will stay on at the club in some capacity.

Curtis was due to meet chairman Huw Jenkins today about a new role at the club, which is likely to be an ambassadorial position.

''I would like to thank Alan for all his hard work and not with just the youth,'' Jackett added.

''He has had a number of roles at the club where he has been caretaker manager and, going back five years, he was assistant to John Hollins. I hope that he will be able to stay on at the club.''

Blackburn Rovers are the latest Premiership club linked to playing a pre-season friendly at Swansea City's new stadium at Morfa. Rovers, managed by former Wales boss Mark Hughes, are reportedly being lined-up to follow Fulham as part of the grand opening of the new ground.

With the club tight lipped as to who will form the club's pre-season fixture list, QPR coach Tony Roberts said his club had tried to arrange a friendly against Swansea.

Roberts, with the Wales semi-professional squad for the Four Nations tournament in Ireland, told the Evening Post: ''I know Rangers tried to get a pre-season warm-up with the Swans some time ago but were told that there was no room to fit us because of the visits of Fulham and Blackburn.''

Kenny Jackett is not going to blow his transfer budget just for the sake of bringing in new players for the assault on League One next season. The Swansea City boss is going to make sure that he gets value for money before adding to his promotion-winning side, and he emphasised that by not making a move for Bristol City's Marc Goodfellow or pursuing his interest in Cheltenham winger Martin Devaney.

''Bristol City want £15,000 for Goodfellow (a drop of £50,000 on what the Robins wanted earlier in the season) so we will have to wait and see how that fits in with everybody else who I want to talk to,'' said Jackett.

''I spoke to Devaney's agent a couple of weeks ago and Swansea was just one of his options and that has gone cold now.

''Through the course of the season we have spoken about (Rushden's) Andy Burgess and Grant Holt at Rochdale. We have made inquiries for those players but no one is imminent.

''At the moment I'm speaking to agents and other managers about who is available and the most important thing at what price.''

Jackett is unlikely to bring anyone in before he jets off on holiday tomorrow.

The Swansea boss has targeted a number of players but he insists that they must complement and improve the side that he already has.

''We must get value for money,'' Jackett emphasised.

''I'm not going to risk everything to just win another promotion. It is important that we don't take one step forward to take two steps back.

''I'm looking to strengthen the side through the middle of the pitch but there are no new signings imminent.

''The transfer trail is very quiet but I would be very disappointed that come the start of the season I had not been able to strengthen the squad.

''We have just won promotion, we have a fantastic first-class new arena and the club is on the up.''

With Andy Gurney and Gary Fisken placed on the transfer list last week, Jackett is confident that Brian Murphy, Kevin Austin, Izzy Iriekpen, Kristian O'Leary and Leon Britton will all sign new deals, although he feels he may have to work harder in getting Britton to sign a new deal.

''I will respect any decision Leon makes but I think he is a very good player and is someone I would definitely like to keep at Swansea City,'' Jackett said.

''I think League One will suit him and I think perhaps our system next season will also suit him as I'm looking at playing 4-3-3. We are going to need someone like Leon as we have a big pitch and we are going to need athleticism and energetic legs.

''No-one has actually signed a new contract yet although a couple of players are close. It is now just about sorting out the paperwork but I'm hopeful that all of them will sign.''

With winning promotion to League One, Jackett is hoping that he will be able to use Luton and Plymouth as role models as he looks to take the club a step further.

''Luton have done very well because a couple of season ago they looked like they were going to go out of business, but they established themselves in League One and won promotion the following season,'' he said.

''I also see many similarities between us and Plymouth. We are two clubs that are out of the way, both sleeping giants and they have now established themselves in the Championship.

''I think it is important to use any successful club as a potential role model.''

Hartson says he would like to achieve things at Swansea City

Celtic and Wales striker John Hartson says he wants to end his career at home-town club Swansea. "I'd love to go back. I can remember standing and watching on the terraces when I grew up as a boy," the 30-year-old told BBC Sport.

"But I wouldn't just want to go to pick up money, get a round of applause for a few games then fizzle out. I'd want to be able to achieve things at the club."

Hartson says he expects to finish playing at the age of 34 or 35.

KENNY JACKETT has told Swansea City fans the club will not risk financial ruin in a bid to win a second promotion.

The Swans chief insists the League One newcomers will not follow the lead of South Wales rivals Cardiff City who have racked up a £30m-plus debt in rising from the old Division Three to what is now the Coca-Cola Championship.

Jackett has been given a transfer kitty to bring in new blood over the summer and wants to build on last season's promotion success.

But he said, "It's very important that we work off a sound financial footing. We will build one step at a time at Swansea.

"The club is financially strong and we want to keep our finances sound. We won't go into debt to try and get promotion.

"We don't want to take one step forward and end up taking two steps back.

"When we spend money, we must spend it very wisely. We're looking for value for money when it comes to signing players.

"I've been given a budget for League One and I'm happy with it. It gives me scope to bring in new players."

Jackett has identified a number of summer targets including Bristol City winger Marc Goodfellow, Rushden midfielder Andy Burgess and Rochdale striker Grant Holt.

He has also shown an interest in Cheltenham winger Martin Devaney but said it is unlikely he will join.

"As far as signings are concerned, the trail is very quiet. It seems dead at the moment. People are away on holiday," explained the Swans boss.

"I do want to bring in new players in the summer and I will be very disappointed if, by the time the season has started, we haven't signed anyone.

"Swansea is a terrific club to come to at the moment. We've been promoted and we've got a new stadium which is a first-class arena.

"I'm looking to strengthen our midfield and I want to bring in players who will complement or improve our squad.

"Bristol City want £15,000 for Marc Goodfellow. The price has come down and we'll have to see with that one.

"I've made enquiries on Andy Burgess and Grant Holt but no signing is imminent. Devaney has a number of options and Swansea is one of them, so it doesn't look like our interest is going to be followed up."

Jackett has placed defender Andy Gurney and utility man Gary Fisken on the transfer market.

But he has offered new deals to goalkeeper Brian Murphy, defenders Izzy Iriekpen and Kevin Austin, and midfielders Kris O'Leary and Leon Britton.

"Gary didn't play many games last season and Andy hasn't been in my first-choice back four. That's why they are on the transfer list," said Jackett.

"As for the players offered new contracts, none of them have signed yet although we're close with a couple of them.

"I rate them all as good players and I want them to be a part of Swansea City."

Out of the five players out of contract this summer, Britton is the one most likely to reject the new deal.

The 22-year-old midfielder was unhappy at a lack of first-team starts last season and said he might have to go elsewhere to play regular football.

But Jackett plans to start next season with a 4-3-3 system - and that will mean a big role for Britton.

"Leon finished the season in the team and did very well. I'd definitely like him to stay."

Swansea City will smash their season-ticket record this summer with Morfa stadium chiefs predicting phenomenal sales of up to 12,000. Swansea have already passed their previous highest total - 3,700 sold for the club's last season at Vetch Field.

And the rapid take-up of seats at their new 20,000-capacity home has left Ashley Donlan, boss of the company running ticket sales, resetting his sights.

''When we first started I thought we would sell between 8,000-10,000 season tickets for the Swans," said the Bastion chief executive.

''But the total's going to romp past that and I now think we could get up to the 12,000-mark.''

More than 4,000 tickets were snapped up within the first five days of sales, which were limited to last season's season-ticket holders plus one friend per ticket.

There is another surge expected this weekend, when fans who did not hold season tickets at the Vetch get the chance to book their place at Swansea's spanking new stadium.

"We can only process 600 people's applications each day, but we would be doing more if we could," Donlan added.

"When compared to previous years the sales are phenomenal and I would put that down to a combination of things.

"It's a sensational stadium and there's a real buzz around that the Swans are on course for bigger and better things.

"The fact that the team have got promoted has also been a catalyst because people can now look forward to watching a higher standard of football.

"And, with the greatest respect to the place, the Vetch wasn't the friendliest of places for the ladies. They can come along here and feel comfortable because the proper facilities are in place.''

With an allocation of 3,000 seats for away supporters, Swansea believe they could sell out for a number of games next season.

''If we get 10,000 season-ticket holders, for example, there will only be 7,000 tickets to sell on the day," said director David Morgan.

''Conceivably, if you don't have a season ticket you might not get into some games, so we would urge all fans to get one. The more money that comes into the club, the more that can be spent on the team.''

Meanwhile, Swansea target Andy Burgess has been transfer-lister by Rushden & Diamonds at his own request.

Italian firm Macron are set to supply Swansea City's kit next season. The club have still to confirm the change, but it is understood Swansea company Bergoni will make way. They have made the strip for the last five seasons.

There will be a local element to the new range - Skewen-based West Wales Print are likely to add Swansea's crest to the imported kits. Macron are most famous for decking out Italian Serie A side Bologna.

Alan Curtis today expressed his deep disappointment after being axed as boss of Swansea City's youth set-up. One of Vetch Field's favourite sons has been relieved of his duties as manager Kenny Jackett shakes up his backroom staff.

Swansea say they hope Curtis will stay on at the club, but the former player, assistant manager and caretaker boss admits he is undecided on his future.

''I don't want to go into it too much, but I'm very disappointed,'' Curtis said.

''Kenny called me in to see him and I was only there for two minutes.

''He said he was going to make changes to his staff and that I wasn't going to be part of it.

''He said he wanted to bring his own people in and make a fresh start at the new stadium.

''He was very matter of fact about it really, and that's his prerogative. As the manager he has the right to make changes.''

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins will meet Curtis next Tuesday to discuss his future, with some sort of ambassadorial post potentially on offer.

Curtis added: ''Kenny was talking about some sort of role at the new stadium and I will talk to the chairman.

''At the moment I'm not really sure what it would involve.''

Curtis, a near permanent fixture at the Vetch since arriving as a teenager in 1971, has suffered the pain of the axe before - as No. 2 he was sacked along with John Hollins in 2001.

Still involved with Wales as part of John Toshack's management team, he hopes Swansea will get their new-look youth set-up right.

''There are some good kids at the club and some good coaches," he added.

''And I just hope they put the time and effort in now to develop the youth development side of things.

''I hope they appoint the right people - and I think they need more than one person instead of having one trying to do everything at once.

''Youth development is big job, and if things change now then great.''

Swansea legend Alan Curtis says he is disappointed at losing his position as head of youth development at the club. "I'm shell-shocked with a feeling of massive regret," Curtis told the BBC.

"Swansea will be at a fantastic new stadium next season and I'm not going to be a part of it, but these things have happened to better people than me.

"Manager Kenny Jackett only spoke to me for two minutes and said he wanted to bring his people in, but that's his prerogative after the year he's had."

Curtis has been associated with the club for 34 years since he joined as a 17-year-old player.

He has been community officer, youth team coach, assistant manager, caretaker manager and head of youth development at the Vetch.

The Wales international has been offered another role at the club and is set for discussions with chairman Huw Jenkins early next week before deciding on his future.

"I'm not sure what the position is yet but would guess it is something in the hospitality section of the new stadium," said Curtis.

"I've got to work through my options and get over the disappointment. I would like to remain at the club in some capacity."

Brian Murphy is hoping to have his new contract with Swansea City sorted out "within the next week". The Irish shot-stopper's current deal runs out next month and neither the club nor Murphy wish to part company.

''The club have offered me a new contract,'' said Murphy, who is back home in Ireland this week.

''It is a little bit off from what I'm looking for but I'm sure something can be sorted out.''

With the 22-year-old keeper back in the Emerald Isle, negotiations have been left in the hands of his agent.

''We are still in talks and my agent is trying to get it all sorted and hopefully it will be done within the next week,'' added the former Manchester City custodian.

''He has been talking to the chairman (Huw Jenkins) and the manager (Kenny Jackett) about my new contract while I'm back home.''

Murphy joined Swansea in the summer of 2003 from Peterborough and made 12 appearances in his first season.

This season has been more of a waiting game for the former Irealnd Under-20 international because of the consistent form of French keeper Willy Gueret.

The 22-year-old managed only two outings this term and with a new deal on the table, Murphy will be keen to press Gueret even harder for the No. 1 shirt come next season.

Meanwhile, Jackett has declared an interest in bringing Bristol City winger Marc Goodfellow back to the Swans on a permanent basis.

The 23-year-old impressed during his month's loan from Ashton Gate, making six appearances and scoring three times.

Also, Jackett has confirmed that he has spoken to wantaway Cheltenham winger Martin Devaney but the Swansea boss will not be offering the 24-year-old a contract.

Earlier this week, Devaney told the Evening Post he could be interested in a move to Swansea if the two parties could agree a deal.

The Robins midfielder is out of contract at Whaddon Road at the end of June and has been given a free transfer by his manager John Ward.

LEON BRITTON has escaped to the Greek island of Zakynthos to clear his head before deciding his future at Swansea City.
The skilful midfielder - one of five players whose current deal with the League One new boys expires next month - has been offered a new contract by Swans boss Kenny Jackett.

But Britton, 22, is unsure whether to stay with Swansea after growing frustrated at the lack of first-team starts.

The former West Ham player made 30 league outings for the Swans during their promotion campaign, although he started only 16 of them.

"It's a really hard decision. There are a lot of things I have to think about," said Britton, currently on a week's holiday with girlfriend Lucy.

"I want to be playing regularly. I've got to think about my career. But we won promotion, we're moving to a new stadium and we're a club moving forward.

"I like Swansea as a city and I love Swansea as a club. I'm settled off the pitch.

"We had a good season, but I didn't play as many games as I would have liked and that's something I've got to look at.

Playing regular football is very important to me.

"The next move - whether it's signing again for Swansea or go somewhere else - is a big one for me so it's a big decision.

"I've spoken to the manager since the last game of the season. Now it's down to me. I've got to decide what I want to do."

Britton, who joined the Swans initially on loan in December 2002, jetted to the Ionian Sea resort to ponder his next move.

"It's a really difficult decision for me. I needed to get away from things so I could think about it," added Britton.

"That's why I booked a holiday as soon as the season finished.

"I've come to Zakynthos to take some time out and relax so I can think about the future.

"I wanted to go to a place where there would be no distractions because I need time to think about what I'm going to do. Here it's just me, my girlfriend, the sun, the beach and the sea."

Britton is one of the most talented players on Jackett's books, yet the 5ft 6in midfielder found himself something of a peripheral figure last season.

His only goal in the 2004-05 campaign - the late winner in the 2-1 win at Cheltenham on March 28 - proved to be one of Swansea's most important goals of the season.

And he did start the season's finale and - promotion clincher - at Bury where he helped Jackett's men to a famous 1-0 win.

However, after the Gigg Lane victory Britton said the match may have been his last in Swansea's colours.

"League Two is a difficult division to play in. There's not much football played in it so, if I do sign for Swansea, I'm happy to be in League One," he added.

"If I don't sign for Swansea, then I'll try and find a club at the highest possible level. I don't really want to go back to League Two."

The other Swans out of contract this summer - Kris O'Leary, Izzy Iriekpen, Kevin Austin and Brian Murphy - are all waiting to see what Jackett offers them, although club chairman Huw Jenkins last night said Murphy and Austin have agreed to sign two-year deals.

The Swans boss wants to draft in new faces and has targeted Cheltenham winger Martin Devaney.

The Whaddon Road favourite has spoken to Jackett, and the 24-year-old said a move does interest him.

"I've spoken to my agent and hopefully something will be sorted out," said Devaney, who scored against the Swans at Cheltenham last season.

"It's a club with a new ground and that's something to look forward to. And, with them being in a new division, there are exciting times at Swansea.

"If something can be sorted out, it could be a move that interests me."

Devaney can leave Cheltenham on a Bosman after turning down two contract offers.

Yeovil tried to sign the player in March on transfer deadline day, while Championship club Burnley are also rumoured to be interested in him.

Swansea City defender Kevin Austin and reserve goalkeeper Brian Murphy have both agreed to sign new two-year contracts with the club. However, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins revealed that the second year of those deals is dependent on the number of first-team games the pair play.

Jenkins also said that Kristian O'Leary, Izzy Iriekpen and Leon Britton are close to agreeing new contracts.

All five players were due to come out of contract with the Welsh side.

Cheltenham Town's Martin Devaney has welcomed Swansea City's revived interest in signing him. Kenny Jackett, manager of the Coca-Cola League One side, was said last week to have "cooled" in his quest for the wide midfielder but Devaney has spoken to him again.

"Hopefully, I'll be speaking to them again in the next couple of weeks," Devaney said. "I've spoken to my agent and hopefully, something will be sorted out.

"It's a club with a new ground and that's something to look forward to, and with them being in a new division, they are exciting times at Swansea.

"If something can be sorted out, it could be a move that interests me."

Devaney (pictured), 24, can leave Cheltenham on a Bosman after turning down two offers of a new contract, the second an improvement on the first.

Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson was disappointed when Devaney decided on transfer deadline day not to sign for them.

Devaney has also been linked to Championship club Burnley, who are managed by former Cheltenham boss Steve Cotterill.

Striker Damian Spencer was due to see manager John Ward today in the hope of cementing his future with Cheltenham for another 12 months.

Ward is due to go on holiday

tomorrow and would like to have Spencer signed up before he goes.

He has already shaken hands on an agreement with Spencer's former Bristol City trainee colleague Kayode Odejayi.

Spencer agrees with Ward that there is nothing much left to sort out and the decision could be made today.

"I'd like to stay and I'm hoping to buy a flat in Cheltenham," Spencer said.

"I think I've improved as a player over the season, with the coaching of the gaffer, Keith Downing and Bob Bloomer, who also gives me advice.

"I finished with five goals in the last five games. I set myself a target of 15 goals but I didn't have that many starts and if I am still there, I would like to make more next season.

"I reached 10 goals in all games in the end, the same as the season before.

"I do like to set myself a target for the season, but I'll keep it to myself and get my head down and work hard trying to get them."

Goodfellow impressed in a loan spell at the Vetch

Swansea manager Kenny Jackett told BBC Sport that he is considering signing Bristol City wing Marc Goodfellow. The 23-year-old impressed in a loan spell last season, but Jackett would not meet Bristol's transfer valuation.

Jackett has also spoken to Martin Devaney, but confirmed he would not be offering the Cheltenham wing a deal.

The manager expects "positive news" in talks with out-of-contract quintet Kristian O'Leary, Izzy Iriekpen, Kevin Austin, Leon Britton and Brian Murphy.

KENNY JACKETT is a better manager than Sir Alex Ferguson - at least according to figures compiled by his own profession.

The Swansea City boss finished above Manchester United chief Ferguson in a performance table devised to allow managers from all four divisions to test themselves against one another.

The Tissot league table of managers' performance - compiled for the League Managers Association - splits the season into four segments.

And for the fourth quarter of the 2004-05 campaign Jackett finished in 12th place - two places higher than Ferguson.

Under the system, points are awarded for victories and draws, with results away from home scoring higher.

Managers are also rewarded for clean sheets, goals scored, the size of a team's winning margin and maintaining an unbeaten run.

Manchester United and Swansea each finished third in their respective division, Jackett leading the Swans to promotion after overseeing six wins and only two defeats in the last 10 games.

Ferguson's United, however, registered three defeats, three draws and four victories in their final 10 matches.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger topped the chart after the Gunners recorded eight wins from their last 10 Premiership games, including a 7-0 thrashing of Everton.

Wenger was followed by Huddersfield boss Peter Jackson, Sunderland's Mick McCarthy and Luton Town manager Mike Newell.

Jackett, meanwhile, is expected to officially announce his retained list of players by the end of the week.

The list will confirm that Jackett plans to offer new deals to all five Swans who are out of contract this summer. Those players will then have three weeks to respond to Jackett's offer, with midfield favourite Leon Britton the most doubtful about whether he'll commit his future to the club.

Martin Devaney could be interested in a move to Swansea City. The Cheltenham winger is out of contract at Whaddon Road at the end of June and Swansea boss Kenny Jackett is interested in bringing the 24-year-old to South West Wales.

Jackett approached Robins boss John Ward last week about speaking to Devaney and over the weekend negotiations with the player's agent begun.

''Hopefully I will speak to them (Swansea) again in the next couple of weeks,'' said Devaney.

''I have spoken to my agent and hopefully something will be sorted out.''

Devaney, rejected a new two-year contract at the Robins, turned down a move to Yeovil in March and he was linked to Coca-Cola Championship side Burnley before transfer deadline day.

The 24-year-old has become a free agent and with Yeovil, Burnley and Plymouth all reportedly interested in signing the winger, Swansea are the only side to have made their interest formal.

But, despite apparent interest from Championship sides, Devaney would be keen on the move.

''It is a club with a new ground and that is something to look forward to and with them playing in a new league they are exciting times at Swansea,'' he said.

''And if something can be sorted then it could be a move that interests me.''

Devaney has spent six years at the Gloucestershire club . Previously he had been with Coventry for two years.

He can play on either wing and was Cheltenham's joint top goalscorer this season with Damian Spencer, netting 10 goals in 39 games.

During his six seasons at Whaddon Road, Devaney has made 152 appearances scoring 42 times.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury have played down rumours that Swansea are interested in their former Welsh Under-21 international Jamie Tolley.

Manager Gary Peters says he has had no contact with anyone at Swansea about signing the 22-year-old midfielder.

''We've heard nothing at all,'' Peters said.

''It doesn't worry me because he is still under contract here and if they really are interested then they will have to deal with me eventually. Everything at this club goes through me.''

Swansea CitySwansea City have entered the race to sign Wrexham's out-of-contract defender Craig Morgan. The highly-rated 19-year-old looks set to quit The Racecourse after The Red Dragons failed to agree terms on a new deal.

The relegated Red Dragons have offered him a one-year contract, but Morgan is now considering his options. Milton Keynes Dons were first to make a move for Morgan, but now Swansea are also expected to make a move although a host of Championship clubs - including Leeds - are keeping tabs on the situation.

"We have held talks with Milton Keynes," Morgan's agent Lee Payne told skysports.com. "They are a good club and have made an offer. "Swansea are also interested and we will have to see what happens over the coming week or so.

"Swansea are a good club and are moving to a new stadium and so it could appeal to Craig."

Kenny Jackett guided Swansea to promotion and is now looking to enhance his squad ready for the League One campaign.

Lee Trundle has won the Powerade player of the year award for League Two. The Swansea City striker topped a fans' poll ahead of Leyton Orient frontman Lee Steele and Yeovil ace Phil Jevons.

''I'm delighted for Lee because he has had a very good season,'' said boss Kenny Jackett.

VETERAN Swansea City striker Kevin Nugent has targeted one last season as a player before retiring.

The Swans assistant manager scored four goals in 23 games last season before a knee injury ended his involvement.

But, with a new 20,000-seater stadium at Morfa waiting, Nugent said is determined to regain his fitness one last time on the back of a promotion campaign.

"I played a couple of reserve games recently and my knee did not feel too bad," he said.

"I'll do a bit of work in the summer and see how I feel.

"With the new transfer window coming in next season, it's probably worth registering me as a player anyway."