Swansea City could lose captain Matt Grimes with Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Southampton keen on the hard-working midfielder, as reported by the Daily Mail.
After falling at the last hurdle – losing to Brentford in May’s play-off final – Swansea could be set for a nervy end to the transfer window.
Star forward Andre Ayew has already left amid interest from Crystal Palace, his wages simply too hefty for a club consigned to another season of Championship football. Loan star Freddie Woodman has gone too, while Connor Roberts also has admirers in the top flight.
Grimes, however, may be the biggest loss of all.
Is Matt Grimes heading for Southampton or Newcastle?
The 25-year-old skipper is one of the first names on Steve Cooper’s team sheet – featuring in 45 of 46 league games in 2020/21. But, with just 12 months left on his contract, Swansea may have no choice but to consider offers for the one-time Exeter City youngster.
Newcastle and Southampton are weighing up whether to offer Grimes a Premier League chance, with ambitious Fulham and Bournemouth interested too.
“It’s unbelievable when you consider how young Grimesy still is,” Korey Smith said in April after his teammate reached 150 appearances for the Welsh club.
“The future is so bright for him. He is at the peak of his powers, he is an amazing player with a wand of a left foot.
“He is a brilliant person off the field too. I’ve liked playing with him and I hope that continues for a long time.”
Unfortunately for Smith, he may have to get used to life without Grimes in the Liberty Stadium engine room.
Reported interest from Newcastle and Southampton will also raise further questions about the uncertain futures of Isaac Hayden and Mario Lemina as the transfer market heats up.
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