Swansea close in on defender and winger signings

Luke Williams says Swansea City are set to sign a centre-back and a winger before Sunday’s south Wales derby against Cardiff City.

The defender, who is set to sign on a season-long loan, will provide much-needed competition for current first-choice pairing Ben Cabango and Harry Darling.

The arrival of another wide player - who will be a permanent signing - will give Williams a welcome option on the flanks, and could allow Swansea to deploy Eom Ji-Sung in a more central attacking role.

“There are a couple of players who will be joining us very shortly - we have an attacking player and a defending player,” said head coach Williams.

“We are just making sure that medicals go well but we are at that stage, so that’s good news.

“We are still not finished in our recruitment, but this will be a big step forward to giving us more cover and making us more competitive.”

Williams says the two new faces could “potentially” feature against Cardiff at the Swansea.com Stadium, though it seems unlikely either player will start.

Swansea have been desperate to strengthen their squad having brought in only four new faces - and said goodbye to 13 senior players – so far in the summer transfer window.

Attacking midfielder Eom, goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux, central midfielder Goncalo Franco and striker Jan Vipotnik are the four signings to date.

Williams, whose side followed up opening-day defeat at Middlesbrough with a comfortable home win over Preston last weekend, expects more signings to follow after the Cardiff game.

He wants to add another attacking option to his squad, while Swansea are also in the market for a senior goalkeeper after Andy Fisher underwent groin surgery.

After what has been a frustrating transfer window, Williams feels more content with the shape of the squad with further additions now close.

“I am always happy because I am head coach of Swansea,” he said.

“But certainly I know that the season is long and tough and we need more bodies. We are now going to introduce two more players that have more experience and that can only be good.”