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Luke Williams has confirmed that Barnsley’s Adam Phillips is a player he’s aware of this January, but insists he isn’t sure on the extent of Swansea City’s alleged interest.
Reports elsewhere claim the Swans and Preston North End are potentially weighing up a move for Phillips, but Williams says he’s unable to say just how much substance there is to the links at this stage.
“I don’t know too much at the moment so I can’t tell you more,” Williams replied when quizzed on the 27-year-old.
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Asked if Phillips was a player known to him, the Swans boss added: “Yeah, but I don’t know how far we are down the line with that one.”
Barnsley boss Darrell Clarke has also responded to the speculation this week, and says there hasn’t yet been any bids for Phillips, or indeed any of this players at this stage. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here.
“We’ve obviously got quite a few talented players and there’s been no bids for any of our other (leading) players,” he said.
“It’s one of those things as a manager where you expect people to be interested in good players.
“I’d be more concerned if there was nobody talking about my players. It’s just the nature of the beast and we get on with it.”
An attacking midfielder is certainly high on Swansea’s wishlist this winter. As too is a winger, with the club also tipped as admirers of Blackburn Rovers star Tyrhys Dolan.
Williams, however, says he’s unaware of any interest at this stage.
“I don’t know too much about that one,” he said. “Whether that’s got any legs to it, I don’t know.”
Sources have already heavily played down the prospect of the 23-year-old making the move to SA1, and it currently seems likely he will stay at Ewood Park, where his contract has six months left to run.
Meanwhile, Williams has defended the decision to send goalkeeper Nathan Broome out on loan.
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The 23-year-old has joined League Two side Port Vale, and becomes the second goalkeeper to depart after Andy Fisher’s loan move to St Johnstone earlier this month.
“We want him and Andrew Fisher to develop their game and get plenty of match minutes so I think it’s the right thing to do,” Williams said when quizzed on his goalkeeping options.
Jon McLaughlin, who made his debut in the FA Cup defeat at Southampton last weekend, will see his short-term deal with the club expire this month, although he now looks likely to extend his stay until the end of the season.
Asked if there could be any further departures this month, Williams added: “Potentially, yes. But I don’t see too many of our key players that are regular starters. I’m hoping we’re not going to lose any of them.”