By Paul Jones
Michael Duff has revealed Swansea City are in talks with star striker Joel Piroe over extending his stay with the club.
The Dutchman is out of contract next summer and gave head coach Duff a first-hand look at what he can do by scoring two of his side’s goals in a 3-0 demolition of League One side Northampton in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
It was anticipated that Piroe would leave the Swansea this summer but interest from a number of clubs has not hardened into a concrete offer for the player who has scored 41 goals for the club in the past two seasons.
“We haven’t received a bid for Joel Piroe at the club, so it is pointless talking about his situation until someone makes a bid,” said Duff.
“The club is talking to him. He hasn’t said yes and he hasn’t said no to a new contract.
“The one thing everyone is looking for in football is goals and Joel is a prized asset. If someone is willing to pay the right price then he may go.
“He was probably disappointed not to walk away with the match ball tonight because he had a number of chances to score more than two goals.”
Michael Duff on Joel Piroe:
“The club is talking to him. He hasn’t said yes and he hasn’t said no to a new contract.”
So you’re telling me there’s a chance…
Sign it, Joel. 📄🦢 pic.twitter.com/t7cU63eBlh
— Jordan (@JordanWebber96) August 8, 2023
Having been beaten by Newport and Oxford in the first round of the tournament in the last two seasons, Swansea fans were happy to see their side go through.
As well as Piroe’s goals, new signing Josh Ginnelly fired home a 30-yard solo stunner to announce his arrival in added time.
Duff reckons his team are horrible – which he takes as a good sign for the future.
“I thought we did the horrible parts of the game well early – competed, won our duels, ran hard – and that gives you the platform to go and show our superiority,” he added.
“That’s the bit I was pleased with. You have to do those horrible bits first.
“I thought we played some really good football. It could have been quite a few more than 3-0 but we won both halves and kept a clean sheet.”
Swansea City 3-0 Northampton Town.. Outplayed and outclassed by a much better team. League 1 survival a much more important priority than a cup run..
You won’t see a better goal this season than Josh Ginnelly’s tonight, absolute belter💨. #Swans look very good.
Onto the next👞. pic.twitter.com/QW87U5f9vC
— Joe Atkin (@JoeAtkin_95) August 8, 2023
Cobblers boss Jon Brady said: “It was a tough lesson against a Championship side. We were left a bit short.
“There were a couple of chances in the first half. They are a high-level Championship team and it was hard.
“They played with excellent passing and movement, and they were very good out of possession and jumped all over us. There is lots to work on and much to sharpen up.
“We knew they would be really tough, especially with the changes we had to make. We had to give certain players minutes and build up our fitness. It is hard to get results when you are working through that.
“To only make four changes from their side last weekend made it a really tough challenge. We made seven changes from our team on Saturday, and we knew we would go through some tough moments.”
Michael Duff claimed his maiden Swansea City victory last night! 🔥
Joel Piroe’s double and a spectacular Josh Ginnelly strike saw off Northampton Town in the Carabao Cup first round ⚽️#BBCFootball
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) August 9, 2023
