Swans keen on Butler

Swansea City have confirmed their interest in Hartlepool United midfielder Thomas Butler.

Butler is keen to leave Victoria Park following the club's relegation at the end of last season and handed in an official transfer request last month.

Swans manager Kenny Jackett has targeted the former Sunderland man to strengthen his squad ahead of the coming season.

Butler was a regular feature in the Pools squad last term and also has experience of playing in The Premiership during his time in the North East.

Jackett is hoping to bring in a number of new faces prior to the start of their League One campaign, with Yeovil defender Kevin Amankwaah and goalkeeper Andy Oakes both tipped to seal moves to The Liberty Stadium.

However, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has ruled out the imminent arrival of Butler, but hopes to see a number of new faces at the club before the start of the season.

"Butler is one player who Kenny Jackett has identified but to say we have signed him is premature and wide of the mark," Jenkins said.

"We haven't signed Butler or Amankwaah but are hopeful something will develop in the next week.

"Kenny has a number of targets and we're hoping to be able to announce two, possibly three signings, before the start of the season."