Today's media round up
3rd January
Swansea's Premier League story is put on hold this weekend, as they face Arsenal at the Liberty in the FA Cup 3rd round. Arsenal full-back Kieron Gibbs has been speaking ahead of the game about his club's determination to compete for silverware. But he's not the only one, Swansea's midfield maestro Leon Britton believes the Swans can build on their already impressive cup performances this season. The January transfer window has sparked to life early on, with the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Demba Ba making moves in the Premier League and Swans boss Michael Laudrup wants to get his business done quickly and quietly. Finally, Michu is back in the headlines with apparent interest from mega-rich Russians Zenit and Anzhi for the Swans' superstar.
Arsenal.com:
Gibbs - Swansea one of our biggest games yet
By Rob Kelly
Kieran Gibbs believes Sunday's FA Cup third-round clash at Swansea is one of Arsenal's biggest games of the season so far.
Michael Laudrup's side have attracted a host of plaudits this term for their attractive style of play, and they beat the Gunners 2-0 at Emirates Stadium last month.
Gibbs accepts it will be a major challenge to win at the Liberty Stadium, but is confident the team can kick off their cup campaign in style.
"It would be great to get a trophy, of course. We go to Swansea like it's one of our biggest games of the season," the full back said.
"We need to go there and realise that this is another opportunity to get a trophy and we want to go there and win.
"Obviously we're out of one cup now so we need to make sure that we're fully focused on Sunday and realise that we have a chance to put a trophy in the cabinet."
Wales Online:
Swansea City star Leon Britton dreaming of Wembley final in League Cup
Leon Britton believes Swansea City can focus on winning silverware in the cups this season ... because of their lofty position in the Premier League.
Last season Swansea were dumped out of the FA Cup in the fourth round and knocked out of the League Cup after just one game as they prioritised avoiding relegation from the top flight.
Britton said: "Last year we didn't do too well in the cups, but then coming up for our first season in the Premier League, our first thought was to ensure we were still in the league.
"We're in the second season and doing well in the league, so the next step is to do well in the cup competitions too.
"We're not a team that's realistically going to be challenging for the Premier League title, so cup competitions give us the opportunity to try to win some major silverware.
Wales Online:
Michael Laudrup aims to do quick business in transfer window
Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup plans to get his transfer deals done quickly and quietly this month - to stop bigger clubs stealing his top targets.
The Swans sealed a cut-price £2m move for top scorer Michu in the summer, signing the Spaniard from under the noses of a host of Premier League clubs including Newcastle and Arsenal.
They also brought in Spanish international Pablo Hernandez for £5.5m from Valencia and the winger is also looking excellent value for money.
Laudrup is lining up another raid on the European market this month with a top-class striker thought to be top of his wish list.
"We know there are going to be a lot of rumours, I am already being asked lots of questions and I know there will be lots more in the coming week," said Laudrup.
"But that's part of being in the transfer window. When something is done, or very close to being done, then I will talk about it.
"We have a list of players for every position because you have to be ready.
"It's not good to start talking about players too early because at the last second another club could come in and suddenly the player wants to join them instead.
"For us we have to do things quickly and quietly."
Daily Mail:
Swansea's star man Michu attracting interest from mega-rich Russians Zenit and Anzhi
By Simon Jones
Swansea sensation Michu is continuing to attract attention from Russian clubs Zenit St Petersburg and Anzhi Makhachkhala.
The 26-year-old Spaniard was believed to have had a buy-out clause in his Swansea contract but that has been denied.
The Russians have been alerted by his goalscoring exploits this season. Spartak Moscow and Dinamo turned down the chance to sign Michu when he was leaving Rayo Vallecano.
