Post by QPR Report on Jul 12, 2009 7:20:17 GMT
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Football News Swans boss bids to sign Portugeuse star
Jul 12 2009 by Chris Wathan, Wales On Sunday
Add a commentRecommend PAULO SOUSA is ready to make Jordi Lopez his first signing as Swansea City boss after talks with the player and his agent in Portugal.
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins jetted out to Oporto to join Sousa in discussions with the former Uefa Cup-winning midfielder, who is without a club after snubbing the chance to stay with QPR.
And Wales on Sunday understands Sousa is ready to give the green light to a contract offer for the 28-year-old – making him the first new face of the Portugeuse’s Liberty reign.
Lopez will not come cheaply, but Swansea coffers have been boosted by the record sale of striker Jason Scotland and the £2m compensation for Roberto Martinez’s exit to Wigan.
Plus, Swansea still have the money earmarked for Jordi Gomez’s wages, money put aside before Martinez whisked the former loan star off to the JJB.
And with fans eager to see the squad boosted at the Liberty after a summer of instability, it is thought both manager and board are ready to step up their efforts ahead of the first pre-season friendly next Saturday, when Swansea face Steve McClaren’s FC Twente.
Lopez could be in place in time for that fixture, although there could be questions over the former Real Madrid and Sevilla man’s fitness, Lopez having seen a move to Birmingham collapse last year because of a failed medical.
And Swansea will want to avoid a scenario where a high-profile arrival is dogged by injury at all costs. With Nathan Dyer already on board, Lopez’s arrival could mean Sousa only has one more midfielder to put in place before the Championship campaign begins at Leicester on August 8.
And now attentions will turn to a new striker when Scotland’s move to the top-flight on a three-year deal is confirmed at a work-permit hearing on Wednesday.
Having seen the 30-year-old rack up more than a half-century of goals in his two seasons since arriving for a cut-price £25,000, many fans are worried Sousa could face a struggle to replace his goals at such short notice.
But skipper Garry Monk has insisted the club will be able to move on and reckons supporters will soon find a new hero.
“It was the same when Lee Trundle left,” said defender Monk. “But Jason filled his shoes. Jason will be missed but it gives a chance for someone else.
“We have Stephen Dobbie coming through. I’m sure there will be other signings and now they have the chance to make a name for themselves.
“And they will know – just as Trunds and Jason did well and moved on – that they could have a chance in the Premier if they do well here, hopefully with us.”
And with worries building over Swansea’s recent losses, Monk added: “I can understand why fans are anxious but people were saying at the start of last season we were going to struggle and those same people had to take their words back.
“We’re still hungry and we want to do just as well this year.”
www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/football-news/2009/07/12/swans-boss-bids-to-sign-portugeuse-star-91466-24130595/
Football News Swans boss bids to sign Portugeuse star
Jul 12 2009 by Chris Wathan, Wales On Sunday
Add a commentRecommend PAULO SOUSA is ready to make Jordi Lopez his first signing as Swansea City boss after talks with the player and his agent in Portugal.
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins jetted out to Oporto to join Sousa in discussions with the former Uefa Cup-winning midfielder, who is without a club after snubbing the chance to stay with QPR.
And Wales on Sunday understands Sousa is ready to give the green light to a contract offer for the 28-year-old – making him the first new face of the Portugeuse’s Liberty reign.
Lopez will not come cheaply, but Swansea coffers have been boosted by the record sale of striker Jason Scotland and the £2m compensation for Roberto Martinez’s exit to Wigan.
Plus, Swansea still have the money earmarked for Jordi Gomez’s wages, money put aside before Martinez whisked the former loan star off to the JJB.
And with fans eager to see the squad boosted at the Liberty after a summer of instability, it is thought both manager and board are ready to step up their efforts ahead of the first pre-season friendly next Saturday, when Swansea face Steve McClaren’s FC Twente.
Lopez could be in place in time for that fixture, although there could be questions over the former Real Madrid and Sevilla man’s fitness, Lopez having seen a move to Birmingham collapse last year because of a failed medical.
And Swansea will want to avoid a scenario where a high-profile arrival is dogged by injury at all costs. With Nathan Dyer already on board, Lopez’s arrival could mean Sousa only has one more midfielder to put in place before the Championship campaign begins at Leicester on August 8.
And now attentions will turn to a new striker when Scotland’s move to the top-flight on a three-year deal is confirmed at a work-permit hearing on Wednesday.
Having seen the 30-year-old rack up more than a half-century of goals in his two seasons since arriving for a cut-price £25,000, many fans are worried Sousa could face a struggle to replace his goals at such short notice.
But skipper Garry Monk has insisted the club will be able to move on and reckons supporters will soon find a new hero.
“It was the same when Lee Trundle left,” said defender Monk. “But Jason filled his shoes. Jason will be missed but it gives a chance for someone else.
“We have Stephen Dobbie coming through. I’m sure there will be other signings and now they have the chance to make a name for themselves.
“And they will know – just as Trunds and Jason did well and moved on – that they could have a chance in the Premier if they do well here, hopefully with us.”
And with worries building over Swansea’s recent losses, Monk added: “I can understand why fans are anxious but people were saying at the start of last season we were going to struggle and those same people had to take their words back.
“We’re still hungry and we want to do just as well this year.”
www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/football-news/2009/07/12/swans-boss-bids-to-sign-portugeuse-star-91466-24130595/