Birmingham City have reportedly moved ahead of Swansea City and Leeds United in the race to sign Chelsea's highly-rated youngster Jake Clarke-Salter.
Swansea boss Steve Cooper is hoping to get a before the arrival of Atalanta on Saturday as he gets his squad ready for the new season.
Cooper has been heavily linked with Clarke-Salter and his Stamford Bridge team-mate Kasey Palmer over the past few weeks.
But it appears now that the Blues, who are coached by former Swansea man Pep Clotet, are in pole position to bring in the defender on loan for the season.
Blues boss Frank Lampard is a big fan of the 21-year-old but wants him to experience game-time on a regular basis, meaning a temporary switch from West London would suit all parties.
Swansea's interest in Palmer is well documented, and the versatile midfielder would tick a number of boxes for Cooper, who still has squad issues to tackle.
At the heart of defence Swansea still look light, with just Mike van der Hoorn and Joe Rodon on the roster, along with graduate Cian Harries.
Central midfield, a winger and a goalscorer are all still needed if Swansea are to mount a creditable Championship play-off push this season.
Bringing in a player like Palmer would help ease those issues, with the former Bristol City man adept in a number of positions .
