Brendan Rodgers has confirmed he has spoken to Middlesbrough about the possibility of signing Matthew Bates.
Swans weighing up whether to make bid for Boro defender
Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed he has spoken to Middlesbrough about the possibility of signing their captain Matthew Bates.
Skysports.com reported on Monday that Rodgers had targeted the 24-year-old centre-half as he bolsters his squad for their maiden Premier League season.
The Swans have made an offer for Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala and talks are ongoing over the 20-year-old Spaniard.
Skysports.com understands that another target is Watford's Adrian Mariappa, with Rodgers keen to reinforce his defence.
"It's certainly an area where we want to strengthen," he told
Sky Sports News.
"It's different in the Premier League. Once you name your squad, that's you then through to January, so we have to make sure we've got enough quality players and enough reinforcements in the squad.
"I spoke to Tony Mowbray about Matthew, on his availability and where he was at.
Injuries
"Matthew had a horrendous period with injuries but last year he did exceptionally well and was captain of a fantastic club.
"There's a number of players that we're looking at but I won't be in a rush, just like I haven't been for a goalkeeper.
"I want the right type that suits the way we play and also has the motivation and ambition to want to come to a fantastic club like Swansea."
Rodgers also confirmed that captain Garry Monk is set to miss out on Swansea's opening Premier League game away to Manchester City on Monday, live on
Sky Sports HD1.
The 32-year-old defender, who
signed a new three-year deal this week, has been recovering from a foot injury picked up towards the end of their promotion-winning campaign.
Monk fitness
"Garry's one that did fantastically well to play in the play-off final," Rodgers added.
"He struggled a bit after that but over the course of pre-season he's been doing great work.
"He still has a little numbness in his foot so whether he's going to be ready or not for Monday remains to be seen, but he'll be very close.
"He's doing all the cardio-vascular work, his fitness is great - it's just his football fitness now. He's joined in with the rest of the group and he's getting there every day.
"He's got a fantastic attitude and he's someone that I want back sooner rather than later. He's been an incredible captain for the club.
"But if he's not ready for Monday then he won't be too far off that."
