Attacking options up in the air as Swans face busy summer

As things stand, Jerry Yates will be back at Swansea City when Alan Sheehan's squad reconvene for pre-season training later this summer.

But even at this early stage in what promises to be a busy close season, rumours are circling about where Yates may go next after a successful loan at Derby County.

Could he stick with the Rams? Given that Yates managed 10 goals and four assists for a side who narrowly avoided relegation, it would be no surprise should there be interest.

When asked by BBC Sport Wales last month about Yates' long-term future, Derby boss John Eustace said it was a conversation to be had come summer.

Presumably, those talks are now taking place.

Regardless over whether Derby are keen, there is speculation that a handful of clubs are interested in Yates who, while not prolific, is a proven Championship performer having scored 42 goals across the past four campaigns at second-tier level.

The feeling is that if a suitable offer comes in, Swansea would sanction Yates' departure.

The 28-year-old has another year to run – plus the option of a further 12 months – remaining on the contract he signed in 2023, when he joined Swansea from Blackpool in deal which valued him at about £3m.

Another move this summer could mean another vacancy as Swansea, once again, head into a transfer window looking for increased firepower.

Mykola Kuharevich is another forward who is due back in Wales after a loan spell away, in his case at Hibernian.

But as with Yates, it would be no surprise should he be allowed to depart once more before Alan Sheehan's first full season as Swansea's head coach begins.

Then there are attacking players who were part of Sheehan's squad in 2024-25, but might be considered surplus to requirements should there be interest from elsewhere.

French winger-turned-striker Florian Bianchini's impact was limited following his move from Bastia, while Josh Ginnelly found game-time hard to come by having returned to fitness after a long spell out with an Achilles problem.

Zan Vipotnik had a decent debut year in the Championship, scoring seven goals in 42 league games – 24 of which were starts – having signed following the collapse of Bordeaux.

Yet it is not inconceivable that Swansea would say yes should a serious offer come in for the Slovenia international this summer.

With so many players' futures up in the air, it will be interesting to see exactly what Sheehan's attacking options are come the opening day of 2025-26.