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| The former Marseille coach is wanted by Swansea to replace Garry Monk |
SWANSEA's attempts to land Marcelo Bielsa have hit a snag over the Argentinian's wage demands.
Swans chairman Huw Jenkins had visited South America to meet with the former Athletic Bilbao and Marseille coach as he searches for a successor to Garry Monk.
Swansea had hoped to have the 60-year-old in place in time for this Saturday's Premier League clash with West Ham, but that now appears highly unlikely after chairman Jenkins and chief shareholder Martin Morgan returned home without completing a deal with Bielsa.
Talks had centred around how Bielsa and Jenkins would dovetail given the former's notorious intolerance of interference in team affairs and the latter's position as Swansea's de facto director of football and head of recruitment.
But it is understood money has proved to be the sticking point.
Swansea's financial offer to Bielsa was believed to have been a fair way below what he was expecting, while the veteran coach was also concerned to be told there would not be much money to spend in January.
Swansea have invested considerable sums of money in two training ground facilities and, having also paid Monk £3million following his dismissal, are not flush with cash to strengthen their squad.
Talks are expected to continue over the coming days, but senior figures at Swansea are becoming alarmed at how long the recruitment process is taking as the West Ham game, for which caretaker boss Alan Curtis will remain in charge, kicks off a period of four Premier League games in just 13 days.
Swansea are continuing to monitor Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli's dispute with his national association, but are thought to be sceptical over their chances of luring Unai Emery away from back-to-back Europa League winners Sevilla. Former Sunderland boss Gus Poyet remains under consideration.
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