Today's media round-up

7th March

There's plenty to read about in today's media round-up, with speculation surrounding the movements of three Swans players.

Captain Garry Monk looks ahead to this Saturday's trip to West Brom, while his Baggies counterpart Chris Brunt has spoken of his side's desire to end their losing streak against the Swans.

 

Swans set to begin talks over permanent Jonathan de Guzman deal

Western Mail

SWANSEA CITY are set to start discussions over a permanent deal for midfielder Jonathan de Guzman - just as defender Chico Flores pledges his future to the club.

But they could be forced to break the club transfer record to make it happen.

Dutchman de Guzman has won rave reviews and international recognition since arriving on loan from Villareal last summer.

Now the 26-year-old's agent has revealed he is due to open negotiations over a permanent switch from the Spanish side as Liberty boss Michael Laudrup begins planning for an assault on Europe as well as the Premier League next term.

De Guzman has made it known he would be keen to stay in South Wales while manager Laudrup has also stated his eagerness to keep hold of a player who has hit five Premier goals and four assists in an impressive bow in British football.

With talk growing of a summer bid from Arsenal or Liverpool for Wales centre-back Ashley Williams, Chico's progress has seen some talk of interest in his services.

The 26-year-old was even linked with Bayern Munich having caught the eye of incoming Allianz Arena boss and former Barca youth mentor Pep Guardioloa.

But he said: "The Spanish players have quickly got used to the city, the weather, the language and to the way Swansea play football.

"We are all really grateful to Swansea for how they received us and the support they have given us so I am thankful to the club, the city and the fans.

"The Capital One Cup meant a lot for us. We started the season brightly and this trophy was a dream for us - even more important than defeating teams like Liverpool and Chelsea, and playing the final at Wembley where lifting the trophy was a proud moment for us all.

"Since I arrived at Swansea everyone here has been so kind to me, the fans have always made me feel welcome so I am very happy here and wouldn't mind staying here for more years."


Monk: Swans will suffer if heads are not right

South Wales Evening Post

IT takes only one word for Garry Monk to highlight the perils facing Swansea City should they relax in the next couple of months.

"Liverpool," Swansea's club skipper says.

If felt a little like the tail-end of the season on the Swansea training ground this week, what with the sun raising the temperature and 40 Premier League points already on the board.

Yet there are still ten Premier League fixtures in front of Swansea, still two-and-a-half months before they can put the shin pads away for six weeks or so.

Michael Laudrup's side are safe from relegation and, with European qualification already secure, it would be understandable if their focus waned a little.

But there are financial incentives which Swansea's hierarchy hope will keep driving the players  on right through until the season concludes with a home game against Fulham on May 19.

And regardless of the bonuses on offer, Monk insists Swansea will be motivated by a desire to avoid embarrassments like the one suffered at Anfield last month.

"I think we realise that we can't just turn up and expect to get points in the Premier League," Monk adds.

"We saw that at Anfield. If you turn up a few per cent down on your top level, you are going to get punished.

"That was a lesson learned for us - whoever you are playing against in this league, you cannot get away with dropping off."


Brunt out to solve Swansea conundrum

West Brom official website

CHRIS Brunt admits Albion are on a mission to end their recent hoodoo against Swansea - insisting: "We owe them one."

The Baggies have lost their last three games against the Swans, including last term's 2-1 home reverse after taking the lead.

The Welsh outfit have also bossed the last two encounters between the two sides at the Liberty Stadium - winning 3-0 and 3-1.

But, with Steve Clarke's men boasting the best home record outside the top six in the Barclays Premier League, Brunt is eager to set the record straight.

"I think Swansea are a good side," said the Albion skipper, who is hopeful of recovering from an ankle injury in time to face City.

"We haven't done very well against them in recent seasons either.

"It's going to be a tough game but one we'd obviously like to build on after the good result we had against Sunderland at The Hawthorns.

"Our last couple of home performances have been decent.

"We did pretty well in the Spurs game as well, bar the sending-off.

"It would be nice to build because for large parts of the Sunderland game we were pretty comfortable.

"We played some good stuff and it's important we continue that.

"We owe Swansea one as well from the last three results against them.

"They're a good side and we saw down there this season they blew us away inside about 20 minutes."

 

Championship club Charlton linked with Swans star

South Wales Evening Post

CHARLTON Athletic  are being linked with a loan move for Swansea City midfielder Mark Gower.

The 34-year-old has made only three appearances for Swansea this season and has not featured in the first team  since September.

But Gower could soon be getting some first-team football if a proposed loan switch to Charlton comes off.

The Addicks, who currently lie 14th in the second tier, are thought to be keen to add some experience to their squad as they look to make sure of their Championship status next season.