Your Swansea City headlines for Friday, April 22.
Carvalhal linked with Burnley job
Carlos Carvalhal has been touted as a potential replacement for Sean Dyche at Burnley.
The Clarets parted company with Dyche earlier this month following a wretched run of results that left the Lancashire outfit in the Premier League's relegation zone. And former Swansea boss Carvalhal is among several managers linked with the vacancy at Turf Moor.
The Portuguese is the 8/1 fourth favourite to land the Burnley job. Chris Wilder (6/4), Wayne Rooney (11/4) and Rafael Benitez (9/2) are among the front runners to replace Dyche, according to Sky Bet.
Carvalhal is currently in charge of Braga, although it has been reported that he will leave the club in the summer.
Naughton signs contract
Kyle Naughton has signed a one-year contract extension with Swansea.
Prior to the 1-1 draw with Barnsley, it was confirmed that the defender has agreed terms over a new deal with the Swans. And on Friday afternoon, it was officially confirmed that Naughton has put pen to paper on a fresh deal that will see him stay with Swansea until the summer of 2023.
The 33-year-old has been a pivotal figure under Russell Martin this term, featuring 37 times in all competitions.
Martin's classy gesture
Russell Martin has thanked Swansea City fans who attended the 4-0 win over Cardiff City for their support during his debut campaign at the club.
Swansea became the first ever side to achieve a league double in the 110-year history of the fixture after securing a pair of victories against the Bluebirds. Fans and players alike fully enjoyed the celebrations after the triumph at Cardiff City Stadium, one which meant Swansea defeated their rivals by an aggregate scoreline of 7-0 this term.
And Martin penned a message of thanks to the supporters who travelled to the Welsh capital earlier this month as part of a gift that has been sent to fans after the thrashing of Steve Morison's men. The poster features the images and autographs of every Swan to feature in the fixtures against Cardiff this term.
Part of the letter from the head coach read: "This year of transition has been challenging in so many ways but I hope that this victory was some reward for your patience and support.
"We are doing something we believe in, and something we believe that this club stands for and its supporters deserve. With your support we have a chance to really watch this team, and the people in it, grow and improve by doing things the Swansea Way wherever we go and whoever we play against."
The letter was signed off with the message: "I hope we can share many more days like this together in the future. Diolch yn fawr. Russ."
Rodon set for Spurs exit
Joe Rodon will be allowed to leave Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.
The defender has been unable to force his way into Antonio Conte's first-team plans this season, with the Welshman featuring just eight times in all competitions for the club. Only one of those outings came in the Premier League.
WalesOnline understands Rodon was the subject of interest from Brighton in the January transfer window, although the Seagulls opted against sanctioning a move for the Llangyfelach product, despite selling Dan Burn to Newcastle United. With others in front of him in the pecking order in north London, Rodon's chances of becoming a regular under Conte appear bleak.
He is keen to secure a move away from Tottenham in the summer in a bid to gain regular game-time, and Football Insider claim that Spurs will let Rodon depart the club in the near future. The defender joined Tottenham from Swansea for a fee in the region of £11m during the 2020 summer transfer window.
Read more: The promising Swansea City transfer work already in the pipeline set to support lofty claim
Downes fit after knee issue
Flynn Downes has confirmed he is fully fit following a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.
The midfielder missed the matches against Millwall, Derby County and Barnsley having also been absent for the 0-0 draw with Birmingham City prior to the 4-0 thrashing of Cardiff City. And after returning to action at Reading on Easter Monday, Downes has stated he has fully recovered from the knee problem.
“I’m fine. I had a little niggle in the Cardiff game and then I had a tiny setback," he said. “I did try to push it a bit too early, but it is fine now, and I feel good and am looking forward to Saturday.”
