Tonight's Swansea City transfer news as O'Brien sends message and boss drops big Bobby Wales update
Tonight's Swansea City transfer news as O'Brien sends message and boss drops big Bobby Wales update
The latest news from the Swansea.com Stadium
Lewis O'Brien of Swansea City
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Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City news for Thursday, May 6.
O'Brien thanks Swansea
Lewis O'Brien has bid farewell to Swansea City - for the time being at least.
The midfielder has been a huge hit since arriving on loan from Nottingham Forest in January, and has been a big part of boss Alan Sheehan's plans, having started all 16 games for the club since making his debut under previous coach Luke Williams in the win over Bristol City. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here
O'Brien has already stated he'd be open to making a return should the opportunity arise, while director of football Richard Montague has similarly admitted the club would love to keep him on board.
However, given he is still contracted to the club, any decision over the 26-year-old's future is likely to be in Forest's hands this summer.
There's a chance O'Brien may well be made available given he's unlikely to force his way into the first team picture at the City Ground next season, but any move would likely prove testing for the Swans.
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Even if Forest were to entertain another loan bid, they would likely want a fee, while the player's wage demands could also prove a significant stumbling block.
"I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Swansea City for the past few months," O'Brien said in a message to the Jack Army on social media. "The staff, my teammates, and especially the fans who welcomed me with open arms. It's been a privilege to wear the shirt and be part of this club. I've learned a lot during my time here and will always be grateful for the experience. "Once a Jack, always a Jack!"
Hacken chief speaks out on Inoussa move
Hacken director of football Martin Ericsson says Swansea City have signed a player capable of presenting a 'constant threat' to opponents in Zeidane Inoussa.
The winger, who has signed a five-year deal at the club for an undisclosed fee, is poised to link up with his new club on July 1, and Ericsson says the move is testament to the work being done at the club.
"It is yet another confirmation that our model is successful," he said.
"First of all, I am happy for Zeidane. We have had a clear plan with him from the start and the fact that it is now becoming a reality shows once again that we can sell, are interesting in that market and have a good environment where we are good at developing players.
"Zeidane has been important for us, despite the two longer injury periods 'Z' has had. His individual skill, speed and physique make him a constant threat to the opponent and he has contributed strongly in, among other things, the European game last year and the fine cup game we had this year."
Wales move 'likely'
Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes admits Bobby Wales is likely to complete a move to Swansea City this summer.
The 19-year-old is understood to have agreed a four-year deal with the Swans, which will come into effect once he has seen out his current contract at Rugby Park.
However, it seems there are still a few items to be ironed out before the deal is officially completed, with a compensation fee also likely to be required, which early indications suggest could be around £300,000. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone
Sources in SA1 remain confident the deal will happen, although the player is, at the time of writing, yet to undergo a medical. Indeed, it's likely the forward's immediate focus is likely to be on the rest of the Scottish Premiership season.
Speaking after his side's 2-0 win over St Johnstone, McInnes said: "I don't think anything has been finalised, but it's looking likely.
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"I spoke to Bobby at the back end of last week and the start of this week and I think the deal's looking likely.
"But it's still not done yet. I think once that does get done, we can speak about that and wish Bobby on his way.
"I can't really say with any certainty if the reports are accurate. All I can say is that there is an interest. But I don't think it's finalised yet."
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