Swansea eyeing a number of signings before deadline

Swansea City are aiming to complete a number of deals before Monday's transfer deadline as they bid to bolster Luke Williams' squad for the remainder of the Championship season.

Swansea are targeting the Premier League loan market as they chase at least one midfielder to replace Coventry City-bound Matt Grimes.

The Championship club are also in the market for a wide player and an attacking midfielder, as has been the case throughout the January window.

Swansea are close to finalising a move for Melker Widell, though the Swedish Under-21 international will return to current club AaB Aalborg on loan for the rest of the Danish top-flight campaign as part of that deal.

Williams says he hopes Harry Darling will remain at the Swansea.com Stadium until the summer, at least, despite speculation linking the centre-back with Sheffield United.

Swansea would be left reeling should another of their key players depart having seen club skipper Grimes tempted away by Coventry.

The Sky Blues move came as a surprise to Swansea who, as a result, believe the loan market is their only option to replace Grimes during this window.

They are looking at options in the top flight, with the removal of Grimes' salary from the wage bill – he was Swansea's top earner – meaning they have the option of moving for a more established Premier League player rather than an inexperienced youngster.

It may be that Swansea look to sign for two central midfielders on loan, such was Grimes' influence – and contribution in terms of playing minutes – under Williams.

The urgent need to fill the gap means Swansea look set for a hectic end to the transfer window, given that they were already in the market for two players – either on permanent or loan deals - as well as Widell.

"I can't give you names at the moment but we are looking at players in several positions," Williams said ahead of Saturday's Championship meeting with Coventry.

"Obviously there's a new drive now because it was quite a quick transaction [for Grimes], so we have had to react sharply to try to find out what's out there that could come in and help us in that department.

"It's challenging, of course it's challenging because it's a very competitive market place, but we are doing everything we can. We want to try to raise the bar and bring in talented players who can push the level."

Swansea have been linked with a string of players this month, but their only signing so far is Hannes Delcroix, the central defender who arrived on loan from Burnley last week.

Grimes will join fellow midfielder Azeem Abdulai, defender Nelson Abbey – who was recalled from his loan spell by Olympiakos - and goalkeepers Andy Fisher and Nathan Broome in leaving the club this month.

Williams is relatively confident Darling will not join the list of mid-season departures even though Swansea face losing him for nothing when his contract expires in the summer.

Darling, who has so far declined to sign the new deal on offer, has been linked with a move to the Blades, while he is also understood to be a long-term target for Bristol City and Birmingham City.

"A player of Harry's quality, of course there's going to be speculation all the time," Williams said.

"But to my knowledge there's been no contact from anyone so as far as I'm concerned, Harry stays with us until at least the end of the season."