Swansea 'very interested' in January targets

Luke Williams signed a three-and-a-half-year contract when he took over at Swansea in January 2024

Luke Williams says Swansea City have identified a number of targets as they look to strengthen in the January transfer window.

Swansea are ninth in the Championship, five points outside the play-off places, having produced their most consistent run of form since Williams took charge 11 months ago.

Head coach Williams says that while his current squad's efforts are "raising the bar" when it comes to transfer plans, Swansea are hoping to be active next month.

"What's encouraging is that we are seeing a lot of guys playing well and improving steadily, so there doesn't have to be a desperation," he said.

"But we certainly are looking and the cogs are turning. We have highlighted certain players that we are really very interested in and we have made contact with those players.

"There are still many things that have to happen of course, but we are in a really good place."

Swansea have been criticised for much of their transfer work in recent years, particularly during mid-season windows.

But Williams says he is "very confident" Swansea will have a positive January following last month's change of ownership at the club.

Profit and sustainability rules mean there is no prospect of a spending spree, but the possibility of a top-six push increases the chance of Swansea trying to get deals over the line.

"I think the better we can perform between now and the window opening, it motivates everyone more or less, depending on where you are," Williams added.

"It motivates potential targets who may want to come to the club if you are in a position to strike for something bigger. The opposite is true - if the team looks like it's struggling a bit, it can potentially put off a player.

"Then there are decisions to be made financially on whether we invest in a player, if we feel like this season we don't look like we are quite ready. Do we invest now or do we wait? There are many things to consider."

Swansea host Sunderland on Saturday hoping to extend their unbeaten run to five games, a feat they have not previously managed under Williams.

The former Notts County boss says his team's performance levels mean the pool of potential recruits who would improve Swansea is getting smaller by the week.

"I am happy if they continue to push the bar so high that only [Karim] Benzema is left on the list, but if they don't then we have to bring someone in that we think pushes our level higher," he said.

"That's our responsibility, to give the people who support our club the best we can get."