Leeds United, Southampton and Everton have all been linked with Joel Piroe this summer but Swansea City boss Michael Duff insists that the Championship outfit have received ‘no bids’ thus far.
That may come as a surprise to those who watched the former PSV Eindhoven youngster plunder another 19 goals for Swansea in 2022/23.
Few players in the EFL can boast Joel Piroe’s ruthlessness inside and outside of the box; the artistry and the variety of his finishes making the Dutchman one of the second-tier’s most admired attackers.
According to The Sun (30 July, page 59) the likes of Leeds United and Leicester City – who will be going head to head with Swansea following their respective relegations – are keen on the dead-eyed 24-year-old.
You can say the same of Southampton. The Saints have already signed one of Russell Martin’s former Swansea stalwarts in left-back Ryan Manning and could yet return for another before the window closes.
But Duff, who replaced Martin at the Liberty Stadium, insists that – while rumours are not exactly in short supply – speculation is yet to translate into serious offers for his star man.
Joel Piroe could stay at Swansea City
“I’ve had conversations with Joel. There’s been no bids,” Duff tells Wales Online, while confirming that Swansea are set to sign Harrison Ashby on loan from Newcastle United.
“Until there’s a bid, he’s our player. He’s been absolutely top-drawer the way he’s gone about it all.”
Piroe, capped by the Netherlands at youth level, has 44 goals in two seasons at Swansea. A tally whuich feels all the more remarkable when you consider the Swans have barely troubled the play-offs in that time.
Everton is another potential destination, though the Toffees appear to be closing in on another centre-forward target in the shape of Sporting Lisbon’s Youssef Chermiti.
“(Piroe is) such a good player, such a good lad,” Swansea skipper Matt Grimes tells the BBC. “I actually feel a bit sorry for him with the amount of speculation that surrounds him all the time. (The rumours are) warranted because he scores so many goals.”
“If someone comes in and takes him, it has to be the perfect deal for him and the club. Similar to the way Flynn (Downes) left (for West Ham). There was no animosity at all.
“He’s a fantastic footballer and a great guy. If he’s here (beyond the window), absolutely brilliant. And if someone comes in, then that’s footy.”
The post Manager claims 'no bids' from Leeds or Everton for his 19-goal striker appeared first on HITC.
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