‘He’s a brilliant pro’: Manager reacts after West Ham’s links with his £20m star

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Swansea City manager Steve Cooper has made it clear that he wants Joe Rodon to stay after West Ham United were linked with the Wales international, when speaking to Wales Online.

For Swans fans, the window cannot close soon enough.

With West Ham’s pursuit of James Tarkowski hitting a brick wall, the Premier League outfit could soon turn their attention to another classy centre-half who has honed his talents in the rough and tumble of the Championship.

Football London this week reported that West Ham see the £20 million-rated Rodon as an alternative to Burnley’s number six.

But, speaking ahead of Swansea’s trip to Wycombe Wanderers, Cooper has made his stance very clear.

“We want to keep hold of everybody. We have to. We certainly can’t lose any more players because of the numbers alone,” said the coach who led an England side containing Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho to glory at the U17 World Cup.

“When we get into the demands of the schedule after the international break, we’re going to need everybody, and more.

“I only heard earlier that there’s been some stuff written (about Rodon). I don’t pay attention with respect to what gets written, it’s just how I do things. In terms of anything concrete or official, or even a tip off, there’s nothing.

“Joe is a good player. He’s a brilliant pro and does everything he can to be the best he can be, as do most of the players truth be told. Let’s hope he does have that bit of luck (with injuries) and plays 40+ games for us this year.”

Of course, the lure of the Premier League could tempt Rodon to walk away from a Swansea side who will be pulling off something of a minor miracle if they are to repeat last season’s charge into the play-offs.

Keeping one of the league’s best defenders, however, would do their chances of a promotion push no harm whatsoever.