Joe Rodon has described signing a new long-term contract at Swansea City as a dream come true, but fans will be anxious Connor Roberts soon shares the same destiny.
Both highly promising young defenders were on deals that run out at the end of this season and major clubs such as Manchester City and Aston Villa have been monitoring their progress.
Rodon, who turned 21 last week, had not played for his hometown club before the start of this season.
But his swift rise has seen him make 12 Sky Bet Championship starts this term and he was called into the Wales squad for last month’s games against Spain and the Republic of Ireland.
“The last few months have gone so quickly – reality still hasn’t hit me,” Rodon told the club’s website after extending his stay at the Liberty Stadium until 2022.
“To get this new deal is another dream come true. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
“I want to stay here and take it step by step.
“These are exciting times at the club and hopefully there are great things to come in the future.”
Roberts has already made the breakthrough to full Wales honours, but admitted recently that he was unsure why a new deal with the club had not been agreed.
Rodon spent time on loan at Cheltenham last season and he has won nine Under-21 caps for Wales.
He has earned comparisons with England defender John Stones as a ball-playing centre-back and has been linked with a move to Manchester City.
But Rodon said: “We have youngsters pushing through and hopefully one day we can get back to the top flight.
“Let’s see what we can do under the manager. I want to play as many games as I can for our club.”
Swansea manager Graham Potter said of Rodon: “He has stepped into the first team in a really impressive way and we are now looking forward to the next stage of his development.”
