NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT examines what could happen at Swansea in the January transfer window.
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| Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has a host of important decisions to make over the festive period |
From the dizzy heights of a record-breaking eighth place finish last season to being managerless and languishing in 18th place in the Premier League table this term, it has not been a campaign to remember so far for Swansea.
Despite kicking off well with a draw at Stamford Bridge against defending champions Chelsea and a famous 2-1 over Manchester United, the Swans have since spiralled out of control.
On December 9 following the 3-0 home defeat to table-topping Leicester, chairman Huw Jenkins made the bold and reluctant move to sack Garry Monk after securing just one win in his last 11 games as manager of the club.
Alan Curtis has been in temporary charge for the Swans in their last two games, but poor results against Manchester City and West Ham has seen them drop into the relegation zone.
Monk's departure has paved the way for a new man to take the reigns at the Liberty Stadium and here Express Sport takes a look at who they could appoint and what transfer dealings they could get up to in the January window.
Who do they need?
A new manager of course.
The Swans and Jenkins have openly admitted they 'will not rush' into appointing a new manager, but after extending their poor run to just one win in 13 league games it seems as if they may have to push forward to get a new boss in as soon as possible - especially with the January window right around the corner.
Former Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa is wanted but the prospect of bringing in the 60-year-old seems to be fading after talks between the Swansea hierarchy and Bielsa reportedly broke down over wage demands.
However, former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo and Jose Mourinho's assistant Jose Morais have been tipped by bookies to battle it out for the job.
Secondly, the Swans could do with some extra firepower up-front with Bafetimbi Gomis misfiring and Andre Ayew's promising early season form taking a nosedive.
How much can they spend?
It seems as if Swansea aren't exactly flush with cash at the moment, with the Welsh club putting a considerable amount of their funds into two training ground facilities and having to fork out £3million to pay off Monk following his dismissal.
So the Swans may have to settle with the current crop of players they have for the rest of the season, but you can imagine they could be fighting a relegation battle if they do not try and bolster their ranks in the January window.
Who might they sign?
With it appearing that Swansea may not have a lot in the pot for the winter window they could perhaps delve into the loan market.
According to the Daily Mirror, out-of-favour Chelsea striker Loic Remy has been linked with a loan move to the Liberty Stadium.
The 28-year-old could provide the Swans with more strength in depth and quality upfront and if they are going to be involved in a relegation scrap then he could certainly provide them with the goalscoring threat needed to stay afloat in the top flight.
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| Tottenham winger Andros Townsend has been linked with a move to a host of Premier League clubs |
Especially after offloading the one-time Swans talisman Michu to fourth division Spanish side Langreo.
Swansea have also been linked with a move for Tottenham winger Andros Townsend.
The 24-year-old was involved in a public bust-up with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner following Spurs' victory over Aston Villa in January and has been left out in the cold at Spurs - even getting demoted to the under-21s for a period of time by boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Townsend has been valued at around £8million and could tempt the Swans into raiding their piggy bank to secure the services of a player who will create chances and is a potent attacking threat down the flanks.
Who could leave?
Jonjo Shelvey could leave the Liberty Stadium after reports surfaced that he had a bust-up with Jenkins over attitude problems.
Jenkins has since rubbished the story and insists the 23-year-old midfielder is committed to the cause.
Shelvey has been linked with January moves to Newcastle, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Manchester City.
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