Swansea face competition for Bony

Swansea City face competition from Marseille for striker Wilfried Bony, according to recent reports.

The Swans were granted permission by Manchester City to speak to Bony following the Ivorian forward’s lack of impact at the Etihad Stadium, but there are suggestions that the player favours a move to France over a return to the club where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s deadliest marksmen.

French outlet La Provence have claimed that talks have already taken place between the Ligue 1 outfit and Bony’s representatives, so it looks like Swansea must act swiftly if they are to edge other potential suitors.

Swansea boss Paul Clement is keen to recruit a striker as Fernando Llorente’s future remains unclear. The club’s top-scorer last season has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and, although the Blues bought Alvaro Morata for £58 million last week, it is suggested that Antonio Conte retains interest in Llorente.

Bony scored 35 goals in 70 games for Swansea between 2013-15 before joining Manchester City in a £25 million deal, where he has failed to replicate such a rate, with 10 strikes in 46 appearances.

Pep Guardiola is desperate to get Bony off City’s books, particularly now after the club’s £200 splash on players this summer. A return to Swansea is very much a possibility, but the club must act decisively in order to keep the 28-year-old in the Premier League.