Your Swansea City headlines for Tuesday, December 7.
Swans to hold talks with Paterson
Swansea City are keen to open contract talks with Jamie Paterson in the new year.
The 29-year-old has been a revelation since joining the Swans on a free transfer in the summer after being released by Championship rivals Bristol City.
Paterson - who signed a 12-month contract in August - has featured in all 21 of Swansea's league games under Russell Martin and has netted eight goals in addition to registering four assists.
“Jamie has done very, very well. He is loving it here, loving the training and playing and he’s getting some important goals for us," said sporting director Mark Allen.
“We are cognisant of that and aware that Jamie is someone that we would like to keep at the club. Suffice to say we are confident and comfortable right now with where we are.”
The club have long been confident that they will trigger the clause which allows them to extend Paterson's deal by an additional year.
Given the way Paterson has performed under the current regime, the club are eager to tie the attacker down - with the clause expected to be triggered shortly after the midway point of the 2021/22 Championship campaign.
When asked if they wanted to keep Paterson beyond his initial agreement, Allen commented: “It’s highly likely. We are in a position where we know when the trigger points come for negotiation and discussion.
"The club are well aware and well organised in readiness for those when they occur."
READ MORE: How Swansea City's recruitment process will now actually work after massive shake-up
Defender linked
Swansea have been linked with a transfer swoop for Hearts defender Craig Halkett.
The Swans' defensive situation could change in the coming weeks, although Rhys Williams will be central to any alterations.
The club are eager to keep the Liverpool defender in south Wales for the duration of the campaign, although the Reds have the option to recall the 20-year-old - who has featured just five times in the league this season for the Swans.
And Football Insider claim Swansea have closely monitored Halkett ahead of the January window.
The Scot is out of contract next summer and could be available on a cut-price deal, with Bristol City also rumoured to be interested.
Fringe men given chance against Brentford B
Liam Walsh and Michael Obafemi both scored penalties as a Swansea City XI drew 2-2 with Brentford B in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
With Swansea having no midweek games until their final outing of 2022 against Luton Town on December 29, Martin was eager to give his fringe players some game-time.
He named a strong group of first team and under-23s players, with Obafemi and Walsh both converting spot-kicks for the hosts at Fairwood.
Nathan Young-Coombes netted twice for the visitors.
The full Swansea lineup is available below.
Swansea City XI: Steven Benda, Joel Latibeaudiere, Brandon Cooper, Rhys Williams, Morgan Whittaker, Daniel Williams, Yan Dhanda, Liam Walsh, Lincoln Mcfayden, Liam Cullen, Michael Obafemi.
READ MORE: Andy Scott leaves Swansea City in shock move as recruitment development emerges
Forest referee confirmed
Matthew Donohue will referee Swansea's Championship clash with Nottingham Forest this weekend.
The Greater Manchester official was the man in the middle for the Swans' 3-0 triumph over Peterborough United in October.
He will be assisted by Paul Hodskinson and Philip Dermott. Dean Whitestone is the fourth official.
Kick-off in south Wales is at 3pm on Saturday.
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