Yahoo News Tonight's Swansea City transfer news as club 'clear path' for star to join and Martin raids old team
These are your Swansea City headlines on Monday, July 1
Eom update
It appears Swansea City's move for Korean star Eom Ji-sung is inching ever closer.
Reports from the Far East via Korea JoongAng Daily on Monday state the K League 1 team "has decided to permit the move" - but that no agreement has been struck yet. Under the headline "Gwangju clear path for Eom Ji-sung to join Swansea", the reports add the deal has yet to be finalised.
That tallies with information received by WalesOnline over the weekend; Korean outlet Sports Seoul claimed a bid had been accepted for Eom to transfer from Gwangju to Swansea in a deal worth $1.2million (£950,000), but those reports were played down.
However, the general direction of travel suggests this looks like a matter of when, not if, because Swansea are indeed interested in bringing the player to south Wales.
Gwangju recently confirmed they would not stand in Eom's way. A spokesperson for the Korean side told MoneyS on Friday: "We are well aware of Eom Ji-sung's strong will to advance overseas. The club also has no intention of blocking Eom Ji-sung's overseas advancement for the player's future."
He was also omitted from the squad for Gwangju's game yesterday.
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Players return to Fairwood
Swansea players have been filmed trickling back to their Fairwood training base as pre-season properly ramps up in SA3.
The likes of Joe Allen, Josh Key, Jay Fulton and skipper Matt Grimes were seen back in the building, with head coach Luke Williams no doubt relishing a full pre-season with his players, having joined midway through the campaign.
Indeed Williams has had some of his players in earlier this summer, with each player handed a personal programme to follow over the off-season.
“I think it’s about refocus, and it’s about trying to re-engage their minds that pre-season is starting soon,” he said last month.
“They have a few weeks where they can start to increase a bit what they do, they can make good decisions about returning to being a full-time footballer again.
“Of course, they needed their downtime, that goes without saying because it is an incredibly stressful and physically tough league that we compete in. So they all deserve that, but this is a good chance to re-engage with them and for them to refocus.
“I am sure there might have been a few choice words when we told them about coming back during the off-season, but I have no complaints about how they have approached these weeks.
“The focus has been there and the standard of the training has been good. We wanted the chance to see where the players are and understand anything that will need to be addressed before we fully start pre-season because we want to be ready to go.
“Now they have a little bit more time but hopefully this period will help us come back with a new motivation.”
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Martin to raid Swans
Russell Martin's Southampton are in advanced talks to sign Swansea centre-back Nathan Wood.
Wood was the subject of intense interest from the Saints last summer, with Swans knocking back offers in the region of £10million. Wood remained in south Wales but endured an injury-hit season.
That hasn't deterred Martin, who remains keen on adding the defender to his Premier League squad. Talks have reached an advanced stage and a medical has been booked in with Saints for the centre-back.
Borja moves on
Former Swansea striker Borja Baston has left Real Oviedo at the end of his contract.
The 31-year-old, who cost Swansea in the region of £15million in 2016, has been with Oviedo for the past three seasons after joining from Leganes. He has been skipper for the past two campaigns but is now leaving for pastures new.
"The footballer and captain of Real Oviedo for the last two seasons, Borja Bastón, will not continue at Real Oviedo next season after three years in the blue entity and ending his contract," the club wrote on their website. "The player, born on August 25, 1992, joined the Oviedo team in the 2021/2022 season from CD Leganés.
"Last season, Borja Bastón played a total of 38 games, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists. The Madrid native finished the 2021/22 season scoring 22 goals, making him, along with Cristian Stuani, the top scorer and top scorer in the championship. This figure also made him the top scorer in Spain, an achievement that led him to receive the Zarra Trophy.
"The Carbayona entity is deeply grateful for Borja Bastón's effort, dedication and desire to improve during the time he has worn the blue shirt, which led Real Oviedo, together with the work of his team-mates, to touch the dream of returning to the military in the Primera division. The Madrid striker has defended, with pride, courage and determination, the Carbayón shield, representing it with nobility and honor in the fields of our country. Thank you for everything Borja Bastón, thank you for everything captain, the Carlos Tartiere is and will always be your home."
