Swansea City set to suffer double transfer blow | OneFootball

Richard Kone and Oli McBurnie moves have become unlikely for the Swans

Swansea City are prepared to wait until later in the transfer window to strengthen their forward line, with potential deals for Oli McBurnie and Richard Kone now appearing increasingly unlikely.

That’s according to a new report from BBC Sport Wales.

Head coach Alan Sheehan is facing a race against time to reinforce his squad before the Championship season begins, but the club are unwilling to rush decisions in a volatile market.

Having allowed Jerry Yates to join Luton Town and loaned Florian Bianchini to Portsmouth, Swansea have space in their attacking ranks but are set to travel to Middlesbrough this weekend without any new centre forward in place.

Despite ongoing efforts, key targets are slipping from reach.

Swansea’s hopes fade for McBurnie and Kone as striker search continues

Oli McBurnie has been a long-term target for the Swans, with the free agent previously enjoying a successful spell at the club and maintaining a strong relationship with head coach Sheehan, a former teammate at Bradford City.

However, the 29-year-old appears to be heading elsewhere. According to journalist Alan Nixon, Hull City have secured clearance from the EFL to proceed with a bid, and McBurnie is now expected to sign for the Tigers ahead of their Championship opener against Coventry City.

Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone had also emerged as a possible option. The 22-year-old scored 18 goals for the Chairboys last season and was reportedly the subject of advanced talks with Swansea. FLW had reported on Friday that a final bid was going in from the Swans.

Despite the Swans’ early positioning, the deal has not progressed, and a move now looks unlikely.

With both targets slipping away, Swansea are expected to continue pursuing a new centre-forward up until the transfer window closes on 1 September.

Kone image credit - Benji Walker (@benjiwalkerphoto)

While attacking additions remain a priority, Swansea are close to securing one new arrival.

Centre-back Kaelan Casey is set to join on a season-long loan from West Ham United and is set to link up with the Swans in time for their Championship opener against Middlesbrough this weekend.

The South Wales side are also targeting two central midfielders and a left-sided defensive option to provide cover for Josh Tymon. At least one midfield signing is hoped to be completed before the season begins.

Swansea have brought in six new players this summer, including Swedish midfielder Melker Widell, whose move was pre-arranged in January.

However, with 15 senior departures and the potential exit of winger Josh Ginnelly, further additions are expected in the weeks ahead.