Phil Sumbler
BBC Sport has revealed that the agents of Joel Piroe are not willing to enter into new talks over an extended deal just yet with interest in the forward expected to be high this summer.
Piroe scored in excess of 20 league goals for the Swans last season as he was one of the Championship’s leading scorers and this has led to interest from Leicester City as one named club although it is believed that a few clubs are watching developments with the player in SA1 with interest.
It is inevitable that the club will face a battle to keep hold of our leading scorer during the summer months and Russell Martin has previously talked about the club having a clear valuation that they place on the player and will not consider dealing at a penny less than that.
The Swans manager though has now revealed that they have suggested the idea of an extended stay for Piroe in Swansea with his representatives but have been knocked back with him telling the BBC “It’s something that Joel’s representatives are not interested in at this moment in time.
“I know Julian has mooted that to them but at this minute they don’t think that is an option.”
The Swans paid a seven figure sum for Piroe last season and were repaid with a flurry of goals that increased the interest and, in the second half of the season, he formed a strong partnership with Michael Obafemi who himself reached double figures before the season was out.
“I think Joel has been in Milan enjoying his holiday with his girlfriend,” Martin added.
“Julian has been speaking to his agent a lot to see if there is any change [in the situation], but absolutely nothing, no.”
This will be a long summer as far as transfer rumours and Piroe are concerned with this just the opening words of that particular story and how it will eventually play out.
Sadly it’s hard to see him staying .He needs another season st this level .So many players see the lure of the premier league and move too soon .Be sure of one thing – the Wales on Line will love the story and give it maximum coverage .