Gus cools Swanson talk - but signings are coming (From The Argus)

Gus cools Swanson talk - but signings are coming

5:00pm Saturday 19th May 2012 in Albion By Brian Owen

Gus Poyet expects to kick off his summer transfer activity in the next fortnight.

But the Albion boss last night said he had made no offer to Danny Swanson, the Scottish attacking midfielder seemingly bound for the Championship.

Swanson, out of contract at Dundee United, has been linked with several English clubs with the Seagulls reported to be leading the way for his signature.

The lifelong Hibs fan expects to turn down a contract offer at Easter Road so he can pursue his dreams south of the border.

Swanson has recovered from a knee injury and is a regular creator of chances from his central role.

The Argus understands Albion have watched the 25–year-old and believe he has talent.

But he is not what they require, either in terms of position or, at 5ft 6ins, physical stature.

Ideally Poyet still envisages Vicente pulling the strings next term.

He said of Swanson: “I know of him but we have not made him an offer.

“We have our list of players for a few positions and we have options. It is actually not that big a list.”

Swanson is good friends with former Albion striker Fran Sandaza and was in the same Scotland squad as Craig Mackail-Smith last season.

Poyet said: “I’m thinking in the next couple of weeks we can make new signings for the club. We have had meetings (with chairman Tony Boom), there is another one next week and I am happy with how things are going.”

Poyet is keen to get his squad together in time for pre-season but recognises two of his most inspired signings – Liam Bridcutt in 2010 and Vicente last year – came with the campaign already under way.

He added: ““The main things is to get the players in for the beginning of pre-season but football doesn’t work like that.

“It is not always in your hands."

Egypt, with Albion defender Adam El-Abd in their squad, kick off a series of three friendlies in Sudan when they tackle Cameroon tomorrow. They then meet Togo on Tuesday and Senegal on Friday.