Swansea City should keep Wilfried Bony, says Iwan Roberts

Wilfried Bony has won 32 caps for Ivory Coast, scoring 11 goals

Swansea City will not lose money if they do not sell Wilfried Bony in the January transfer window, according to former Wales striker Iwan Roberts.

Bony, the Premier League's top scorer in the calendar year of 2014 with 20, has been linked with Manchester City.

But Roberts believes the Swans should hold on to the Ivorian for now.

"Unless they get an absolutely ridiculous offer I don't think he'll go until maybe the end of the season," he said.

Swansea are currently without Bony, who is with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Manager Garry Monk has previously stated it would take an "astronomical fee" for the Swans to consider selling Bony.

The 25-year-old striker joined Swansea for a club-record £12m from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 and was top scorer with 25 goals in 48 appearances in his first season.

He also scored twice for the Ivory Coast at the 2014 World Cup finals and was the subject of transfer speculation during the close season.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham were all reported to be interested in Bony, but Monk insisted the striker was not for sale.

Wilfried Bony [L]. Federico Fernandez [C] and Ki Sung-Yueng [R] salute Swansea's fans after the 1-1 draw at QPR

Bony heads the scoring charts at Swansea again this term with nine in the Premier League, reportedly prompting interest from clubs such as Chelsea.

In November, 2014, Bony signed a one-year extension to his contract with Swansea, a deal which could keep him at the Liberty Stadium until 2018.

Although Swansea's desire to keep their star striker could be tested with a big bid now the January transfer window is open, Roberts believes the Ivorian could benefit from staying at the Liberty Stadium until at least the end of the season.

"He's probably playing the best football of his career," Roberts added.

"He looks as if he's happy at Swansea."