Here’s your round-up of all the latest Swansea City headlines for Sunday, December 19.
Leonard tipped for loan move amid Swansea links
Former Brighton and Hove Albion under-18s boss Mark Beard has encouraged Marc Leonard to go out on loan in January, amid links with Swansea City.
The 19-year-old midfielder recently signed a new deal until the summer of 2023 with the Seagulls, and has already impressed for the under-23s side.
The Scotland Under-21s international also made his debut of the senior side this year, putting in impressive displays against both Swansea and Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup.
The Swans, along with League One side Sunderland, have both since been linked with a move, and Beard admits that a loan spell away next month, or next season, could prove beneficial.
“I think a January loan move would be a great option for him,” he told Sussex Live.
“Another six months down the line may be six months wasted. He can stay in the under-23s but he has been there for around two years.
“I think he could do with stepping up. He would be ready for it. They [Brighton] could give him game time in the FA Cup but they have got to have a plan for him.
“They could go out in the third round and then that plan of FA Cup minutes could end quickly and he is back with the U23s again. If you are looking at the bigger picture, a loan move would be great.”
Swansea City fans, we want your views!
You can become even more involved with WalesOnline’s Swansea City coverage by signing up to leave comments on stories, delivering your verdict, discussing the biggest breaking news and also chatting to our journalists in our dedicated Q&As.
Click here to get started.
Piroe desperate for festive programme to go ahead
Swansea striker Joel Piroe admits he’s keen to experience the packed EFL schedule over the festive period.
Having previously spent all his career back in the Netherlands, Piroe has been accustomed to having some respite over the festive period, but will be hoping to travel to London on Christmas Day ahead of the Boxing Day fixture at The Den.
The surge in Covid-19 cases has, of course, plunged the festive fixture list into doubt, but Piroe is clearly hoping that the trip to South London will go ahead.
“It is something new and something special for me because when you think about playing in the Championship or Premier League, you think about Boxing Day,” he said.
“You know that is a special day for football in this country. I used to watch them on television in Holland and I thought it looked great.
“It’s exciting, they are great occasions for players and the fans.”
Piroe also addressed transfer rumours which emerged recently linking him with Leicester City.
“No, I haven’t heard anything about that,” he told the Football League Paper when quizzed on the alleged interest form the Foxes.
“Of course, you always want to reach the top.
“As a professional player, that should be everyone’s ambition. But I just want to enjoy the moment I am in right now. Swansea is perfect for me because I am doing what I always wanted.
“I’ve settled really well in Swansea. The people here who work for the club, everybody around it. They have welcomed me really well and the same goes for the players. It has made it feel like home, even in such a short time. Even the weather is not too bad at the minute so I cannot complain.”
Savage says McAtee is destined for the top
Robbie Savage has tipped Swans target James McAtee to be the next big thing at Manchester City.
The youngster has broken into Pep Guardiola’s first-team thoughts at the Etihad this season, making his Premier League bow against Everton.
Swansea head coach Russell Martin is seemingly also a huge fan of the attacking midfielder, with a January loan swoop being eyed.
However, a move for the Salford-born starlet is likely to be tricky, with City keen to retain their products and develop them in-house.
Savage was asked who he is tipping to become the next youngster to break through at a Premier League club and his bold prediction surrounded McAtee.
“There are so many fantastic youngsters coming through,” Savage said.
“I am obviously a proud father, Charlie Savage coming on for Manchester United in the Champions League with Zidane Iqbal, they have been at United together since the age of five and hopefully they will get a lot of chances again, but it is going to be tough.
“The player I am going to go with is a young player I know, James McAtee, who is at Man City.
“He has already made his Premier League debut and he has got so much ability.
“He is a wonderful player who is scoring goals for fun in the Under-23s.”
For the latest Swansea City news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for our newsletter here.
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/swansea-city-headlines-swans-sunderland-22511965
