Swans 'getting closer' to loan deals

Graham Potter has revealed that Swansea City are “getting closer” to moving into the loan market as he bids to bolster his squad for the season ahead.

The Swans are on the hunt for a loan window recruits after a busy summer transfer window which saw a host of players exit the Liberty Stadium.

But as ever, Potter has stressed the need for caution as he seeks out the right recruits.

“We are getting closer,” said the Swans manager.

“We are working away as hard as we can, but it’s about finding the right person – the right player with the right profile.

“We need players who can help the group we already have.

“Part of our job is to strengthen and improve, whether that’s improving the players we have or bringing someone in.

“When a window is open, you are always looking whether there are any possibilities to come in and improve your group, but the trick is to find the right ones.

“I do not worry about the age of players too much. What I look at is personality – can they deal with playing for Swansea City and are they going to be proud to be here?”

Potter’s starting line-up against Preston featured no fewer than four academy products, with debutant Joe Rodon joining Connor Roberts, Jay Fulton and Oli McBurnie.

The average age of the Swans team last weekend picked was under 24 years, and Potter has no qualms about turning to members of the club’s development squad.

“You look at the players we have on the bench and also those who have not been involved and we have got players there who can play football,” he added.

“We have an academy structure here that we have used already – there are players waiting for an opportunity there.

“There’s a football club behind the first team that is there to help us when needed.”

Rodon, 20, impressed against Preston having been a handed a starting chance following the sales of Federico Fernandez and Jordi Amat.

“It was brilliant to see Joe coming in and doing well last weekend,” Potter said.

“As a coach it’s a nice moment to give someone their debut because you know how much it means to them, their family and all the people who have helped develop them.

“It also shows there is a pathway from the academy to the first team if you show the right attitude and work hard, which Joe has done.”