Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis wanted by rival clubs

Bafetimbi Gomis joined Swansea on a free from Lyon in June 2014 on a four-year deal

Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis is wanted by five other clubs, including three of the Welsh side's Premier League rivals.

BBC Wales Sport understands that Swansea could face a battle to keep the 29-year-old Frenchman.

Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Newcastle United have been linked with Gomis, something Swans boss Garry Monk denies.

"The links and speculation I can't stop, but Bafe's [Gomis] a Swansea City player," said Monk.

Gomis, 29, joined Swansea for free on a four-year deal in June 2014.

He has had to play second fiddle to Wilfried Bony at Swansea this season.

But Monk did opt to start with Gomis in the lone striker role for last weekend's 1-0 win at Hull City.

Swansea will be without Bony for up to a month when he joins up with Ivory Coast for the African Cup of Nations in January.

The Welsh side have signed Portugal striker Nelson Oliveira on loan from Benfica until the end of the season.

Monk says Gomis is a different type of striker to Oliveira and the signing will give him more attacking options.

He says Gomis will get his chance to stake a claim for Bony's shirt in the Ivorian's absence.

"I've really enjoyed working with Bafe [Gomis]," said Monk.

"He's a great professional, a good guy and a top, top, player.

"Obviously trying to give him game time has been difficult this season with Wilfried Bony doing so well in that lone striker role.

"It can be frustrating for players, but Bafe's been brilliant. He' not shown that at all in training and he's worked extremely hard.

"I'll be looking to play Bafe very much in this coming period and for him to be wearing that shirt, then it's his to lose."