Russell Martin: Swansea City approach MK Dons to speak to manager

Russell Martin was a fans' favourite at Norwich City during his playing days

Swansea City have made an approach for MK Dons manager Russell Martin.

The Swans have been looking for a new boss since the departure of Steve Cooper earlier this month.

In a statement on their website MK Dons, who face Bournemouth in the EFL Cup on Saturday, expressed frustration over the timing of Swansea's approach.

"To our extreme disappointment, this was received less than 24 hours prior to our first competitive fixture of the season," it said.

"To minimise disruption to our players and our match preparation, it was decided that this would be discussed after today's game.

"It was not our intention to release a statement until after discussions regarding the approach had taken place but given the intense media speculation, we felt it necessary to confirm the situation to both our players this morning and to our supporters before the game.

"The club will make no further comment at this time while we focus on this afternoon's fixture."

Martin and former Chelsea assistant Jody Morris emerged as the leading contenders for the Swansea job after Queens Park Rangers assistant manager John Eustace turned down the chance to succeed Cooper.

The approach to MK Dons indicates Swansea have decided Martin is the man they want to lead them in 2021-22.

The former Scotland defender has impressed in his two years in charge of League One MK Dons, where his contract expires next summer.

Championship side Swansea would need to pay compensation - understood to be around £400,000 - to prise Martin away from Stadium MK.

Alongside assistant manager Luke Williams, Martin has earned praise for the intricate, possession-based style of play he has instilled in his team.

He guided the club to a 13th-place finish in League One last season.

Martin is believed to be open to the idea of taking the Swansea job but he would like the opportunity to strengthen the squad.

That would likely have to be in the form of loans and free transfers given how little money the club's owners made available to Cooper.

Swansea, who lost in the Championship play-off final to Brentford last season, have seen several important first-team players depart this summer.

As well as Ghana forward Andre Ayew, whose lucrative contact had expired, the Swans have lost the likes of goalkeeper Freddie Woodman and defender Marc Guehi after their loans ended.

Time is of the essence in the Welsh club's search for a new manager, with their first game of the season away against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, 7 August.