Graham Potter may not have got the money he wanted to buy big in the summer, but he intends to pull out all the stops to hang on to two of Swansea City’s golden products.
Locally produced rising stars Connor Roberts and Joe Rodon are both out of contract at the end of the season and Potter has opened discussions to keep them at the Liberty Stadium long-term.
With Manchester City already rumoured to be casting envious eyes at centre back Rodon, the manager will be hoping to convince both players to stay put.
Roberts’ stunning debut goal for Wales in their 4-1 win over the Republic of Ireland earlier this month pushed him into the limelight, but if Potter wants to build a team with a strong Swansea identity it is vital he keeps hold of two of his biggest assets.
Seeing Joe Allen score the winner for Stoke City against his former club this week must have been galling to all Swans fans. It must be a similar situation every time they see Ben Davies play well for Spurs and Wales.
“We have had initial conversations and those talks will be on-going. We want to be able to secure players like Joe and Connor because they are the future of the club,” said Potter.
“They are probably at a stage in their career where they know they are in a good place. They have got an opportunity to play and they are getting good support for their careers.”
The 20-year-old Rodon, last season’s Under 23 skipper, has been rocketed into first-team action this season at the heart of the Swans’ defence following the summer departures of Alfie Mawson, Federico Fernandez and Kyle Bartley.
He has started six of the seven Championships matches to date despite still being a trainee.
The 22-year-old Roberts, who went out on loan to Middlesbrough last year, has already earned his international spurs this season.
“You have to be strong enough in what you are trying to doing. There is a hierarchy in football and you can’t be scared of that,” added Potter.
“It is a good problem to have when your players do well. It is much better to have that problem than to have players who are doing nothing at all.
“Playing, development time, feedback and help are all important for guys who are just starting their careers. It is not about playing 30 matches, it is about playing 300-400.”
