Tonight's Swansea City news as rivals source O'Brien alternative and ex-Swans hero released
Tonight's Swansea City news as rivals source O'Brien alternative and ex-Swans hero released
The latest news from the Swansea.com Stadium
Lewis O'Brien
(Image: Ashley Crowden/REX/Shutterstock )
Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City news for Friday, June 27.
Hull source O'Brien alternative
Hull City reportedly remain firmly in the race for former Swansea City loanee Lewis O'Brien this summer - but could yet look elsewhere should a deal become too problematic.
O'Brien has been on the radar of a host of Championship clubs this summer, having enjoyed a hugely impressive six-month loan spell with the Swans last season. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here.
Swansea would love to have the midfielder back for another stint next season, but their hopes of winning the race appear to be slim.
The Tigers, in contrast, look to be among the leading contenders for his signature, having held talks over the last few weeks.
But according to our colleagues at Hull Live, the financial package required to get a deal done could still prove a stumbling block.
Article continues below
Sources close to negotiations have told WalesOnline that an offer believed to be worth 'in and around' £5m is on the table from the Tigers, while one other Championship club is also believed to have launched a bid.
That prospective price tag has been disputed by reports on Humberside, but it seems there's still some confidence a deal could get done.
Nevertheless, Hull could yet look at other options, with a player based in Europe also believed to be on the radar. Indeed, the mystery player is believed to have already held talks with owner Acun Ilicali and head coach Sergej Jakirovic.
Ogbeta joins Barnsley
Former Swansea City defender Nathanael Ogbeta has signed for Plymouth Argyle on a season-long loan.
The 24-year-old is getting married this weekend, but is set to miss his honeymoon to join up with his new team-mates this week.
"Currently, I'm in London because I'm getting married at the weekend. But I'm excited to join the lads next week and get started," he told the club website.
Reds boss Conor Hourihane, himself a former Swan, added: "He has good EFL experience for a player of his age, and he brings depth to the squad, which is essential."
Ogbeta joined the Swans from Shrewsbury in 2022, but played just three games for the club before leaving on a free transfer last summer. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone.
Borini released
Former Swansea City cult hero Fabio Borini is a free agent this summer after leaving Italian side Sampdoria.
The striker, who scored six goals in 12 games for the Swans during a loan spell in 2011, joined the fallen Italian giants on a free transfer back in 2023.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
He since netted 10 goals in 38 games, with Sampdoria narrowly preserving their Serie B status last season following a chaotic play-off with Salernitana.
Article continues below
The club haven't yet made an official announcement, but Nicolò Schira has claimed the 34-year-old is now set to depart.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Toulouse edge Bordeaux Begles in extra-time thriller to secure third straight Top 14 title
Toulouse claimed their third consecutive Top 14 title and a record-extending 24th French championship by beating Bordeaux Begles 39-33 after extra time in a dramatic final on Saturday. Thomas Ramos kicked two penalties in the last five minutes for Toulouse after Bordeaux's Maxime Lucu had converted a penalty on the hooter to take the game into extra time at 33-33. A try from Anthony Jelonch and a brace from Jack Willis put champions Toulouse in control of the match but Damian Penaud, Matthieu Jalibert and Guido Petti also crossed the tryline to keep Bordeaux in touch. Petti and Pierre Bochaton were handed yellow cards and Toulouse, missing talisman Antoine Dupont, won their 11th consecutive final, a year after routing Bordeaux Begles 59-3 in the title match. After Toulouse and Bordeaux traded penalties, the holders capitalised on Petti's yellow card to score the opening try when Jelonch found a gap in the defence. Bordeaux responded quickly, however, when Penaud latched on to Maxime Lucu's kick to touch down. Willis restored Toulouse's lead with a powerful finish from a driving maul just before halftime and the English flanker crossed for a second try after Jalibert had dotted down under the posts for Bordeaux. Lock Petti kept the game alive when he went over from a wide position for Bordeaux before Lucu sent the game into extra time. France internationals Romain Ntamack and Louis Bielle-Biarrey did not reappear after halftime, the former due to a shoulder injury and the latter who was playing his first match after suffering a concussion.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
The Max Aarons baptism of fire Rangers star survived as Norwich ally reveals new man can handle the heat
Rangers' latest signing survived being thrown into Norwich's fiercest fixture as a rookie 18-year-old for his league debut Max Aarons was handed a Norwich baptism of fire in the derby jokingly dubbed the Old Farm. The then 18-year-old refused to be cowed by Ipswich fans in that league debut at Portman Road seven years ago. But the Rangers new boy will soon discover handling the beast that is the Old Firm is a country mile from that first taste of footballing rivalry. Few would argue the intensity of the East Anglia derby falls short of the fiery furnace of Glasgow's bitter contest. But still, for a young Canary hoping to take flight there was hardly a bigger or more intimidating fixture to start out than that 1-1 draw in enemy territory. Rather than have his wings clipped, the full-back rose to the challenge. So much so that Daniel Farke simply couldn't take him back out the team. Aarons went on to make 41 league appearances that season as Norwich stormed to the Championship title. And for ex-Carrow Road team mate Michael McGovern that day in Ipswich was all the proof he needed that Aarons was the real deal. The former Celtic goalkeeper knows few footballing rivalries compare to what lies in store for Russell Martin's first signing. But he has no doubt Aarons is built for the challenge. McGovern, who spent seven years at Norwich, said: 'I know Max really well, we used to sit beside each other in the changing room. 'I played in his debut in a cup game against Stevenage and then a few weeks later he made his league debut away to Ipswich Town which is obviously a huge rivalry, the biggest game for Norwich fans. 'He was put straight in from the start, he was only 18, but he came in for that East Anglian derby and was excellent. 'He handled the occasion superbly well. It's not quite on the Old Firm level but for an 18-year-old lad to make their debut in that environment it was a huge test. 'Daniel Farke clearly trusted him and the thing about Max is he has a really good temperament. Even back then. 'So as much as it is difficult to play for a club like Rangers and be in the Glasgow goldfish bowl, Max will be fine because he has a really good head on his shoulders. 'He isn't fazed by anything really. Remember he has now played in big games in the Premier League. He's played away at Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and both Manchester clubs many times. He was young and that would have been a real learning curve. 'Not just that but he handled the pressure of two separate title wins in the Championship which is a really competitive league. 'So I'm sure he will handle Rangers and Scottish football. He will relish the challenge. 'Max is a top player with so much potential till to do well at Ibrox. He has played a lot of games at a young age. He's also had a taste of playing in Spain so I think Rangers are getting a really good player.' Aarons arrived on a season-long loan deal from Bournemouth on Wednesday - and immediately set his sights on kick starting his career that stalled last season with just two starts for the Cherries and five appearances for Valencia in a La Liga loan stint. The 25-year-old will go head-to-head with skipper James Tavernier for the right back spot at Ibrox. And McGovern reckons there's no way Aarons is moving north to play second fiddle. He said: 'That's up to Russell Martin who starts in each position! 'I don't know where Max will fit in. Naturally he is a right back but he can also play on the left. 'But I imagine he will be going in there to play. 'He's not going to want to go somewhere and not play because he didn't play too much at Bournemouth last season or on loan at Valencia. 'He just needs regular games. I'm pretty sure if he gets that you will see a player who was quoted as a £20m player not so long ago. 'Max is really comfortable on the ball. He's a good one v one defender and really good going forward. He's intelligent and knows the game. 'He just needs regular football. He has a good chance of getting that at Rangers. I think he will be an asset for them this season.' That £20m valuation comes from reported Manchester United interest in Aarons three years ago while the player was at his peak with Norwich. The Canaries refused to cash in and by the time he moved on in 2023 - with just a year left on his contract - they had to settle for a £7m from Bournemouth. Now he's preparing for a crack at Scottish football after becoming the first signing of the Martin era. And his first competitive action could come in the form of a European debut in the Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos next month. McGovern said: 'Max is a Premier League quality player. It's a shame there's no option to buy for Rangers. Bournemouth are probably looking at Max as an asset who can make them a good few quid in the future. 'He just needs games and a bit of love. He's not had too many games the last year or so. But he will hopefully get that platform with Rangers.'
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Jamie Vardy joins new ‘dream team' on holiday with Tottenham and Man Utd stars
The Leicester City legend is taking a break before deciding on his next club HAVING A PARTY Jamie Vardy joins new 'dream team' on holiday with Tottenham and Man Utd stars Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JAMIE Vardy has delighted fans after joining a new 'dream team' since becoming a free agent - after he was pictured partying with his Leicester City pals while on holiday. The striker, 38, who last month drew the curtains on his 13-year chapter at the club, was seen reunited with his former teammates and their families in Portugal. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Jamie Vardy was spotted with pals on holiday including former Leicester City teammates James Maddison and Harry Maguire Credit: instagram/zoemaguirewilkinson Joined by wife Rebekah, 43, Jamie beamed for the camera at the beach alongside Harry Maguire, James Maddison and Leicester City coach Andy King. Maguire's sisters, Daisy and Zoe, his wife Fern and dad Alan were also in tow. Fans voiced their delight at the reunion, with one posting: 'Dream team!' Another said: 'Lovely to see former players still socialising together.' READ MORE ON JAMIE VARDY STRIKE IT LUCKY Vardy tipped for shock Champions League move after free Leicester exit In response, Rebekah commented: 'Always! Unbreakable bonds.' Another supporter described it as a 'heartwarming' picture. It's understood the reunion took place in the Algarve. It comes just weeks after Rebekah's bitter six-year libel court battle with Wayne Rooney's other half Coleen finally ended, resulting in a £1.4million bill for the Vardys. And last month we told how the Vardy's were selling their lavish Portuguese home for a huge seven figure sum. The couple are hoping to fetch £9.7 million for the massive pad in Quinta do Lago, which boasts three pools, a gym and six bedrooms. Rebekah Vardy throws husband Jamie a surprise party as he leaves Leicester City A source denied they're trying to claw back cash and said the pair are looking for a new holiday home. In May, the Vardys enjoyed a trip to Turkey, staying at the Lujo Hotel in Bodrum, where rooms can cost up to £10,000 a night. Jamie is said to be holding crunch talks as he weighs up lucrative offers ahead of the new season, and is rumoured to be considering moving Stateside. Despite his nine Premier League goals in 2024-25, he was unable to save Leicester from relegation. The Foxes made an instant return to the Championship after a dismal campaign saw them finish 19th. He said: 'I'm always excited for what comes next.' Rebekah threw Jamie a lavish surprise party celebrating his final appearance for Leicester last month.
