Swansea City targeting experienced Burnley man in bid to bolster attacking options | OneFootball

Swansea City are keen on adding experienced Burnley striker Ashley Barnes to their squad before the January transfer window slams shut on Tuesday night.

That is according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, who claims that the 33-year-old is wanted by Swans head coach Russell Martin to replace the outgoing Michael Obafemi, who conversely is heading to Turf Moor in a separate deal.

The Championship table-toppers are set to land Obafemi for just £3 million, having been quoted a price of £12 million for the Republic of Ireland international late on in the summer window, with his form dipping since the Clarets had bids rejected for his services a number of months ago.

Obafemi’s imminent arrival in Lancashire is set to push Barnes even further down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany thanks to the acquisition of Lyle Foster on Wednesday, so the Burnley hierarchy are set to sanction a move for Barnes with his contract expiring at the end of the season.

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A scorer of two goals in 21 Championship appearances this season, Barnes could now be set to deliver some competition to Joel Piroe at the top end of the pitch for Swansea should the two clubs be able to come to an agreement.

The Verdict

Barnes has certainly done a job over the years for Burnley, but the club are seemingly going in a new direction with a different kind of player.

Of course Barnes has his uses in the current Clarets system, but with the way Kompany wants to play, his impacts have been very limited.

He would though offer Swansea something very different to what they currently have – they lack an experienced option who is willing to do the dirty work and that is exactly what Barnes is.

Whilst not having the pace or potential of Obafemi, Barnes has promotion experience from the Championship and that could be what Russell Martin is looking for right now.