Swans head coach Michael Duff has made it clear he doesn’t expect to see Olivier Ntcham again after his ‘confusing’ transfer from Swansea City to Samsunspor. His potential replacement numbers wise it seems is Charlie Patino the Arsenal midfielder who is now training with Swansea City.

Patino is expected to be confirmed by the Swans this afternoon or early tomorrow.

We say confusing because ten days ago we carried direct quotes from those involved in the transfer regards the move, but the wider media decided it wasn’t happening or ‘wide of the mark’ to coin a phrase. It seemed odd that a website carrying such quotes would in any way be anything other than ‘on the mark’ Strange.

The personal paperwork for Ntcham to sign for the Turkish side has been completed, however the two clubs continue to haggle over the fee. That will hold up Ntcham’s transfer of registration and although that’s the case, and Samsunspor have alerted the wider world of his transfer he won’t be eligible to play for his new side until that is agreed.

Our exclusive on Ntcham leaving the Swans is here —> ⚽️ Ntcham to leave Swansea

It seems Duff has numerous players available for selection for Saturdays trip to the Hawthorns with his side coming through the midweek victory against Northampton unscathed. A large Swansea support will make the journey to the midlands in what is one of the closer away games to attend. On Patino, Duff was more open stating, “His pedigree speaks for itself with the football club he's at. A young player but he's played forty odd games in the Championship which is a tough ask for anybody his age. I know he got relegated with Blackpool, but he'll be much better for all of the experiences he's had and hopefully we can benefit from that. Another good footballer that gives us balance. He's left-footed, he can play in a couple of different positions. He can play in a deeper role slightly higher up. So it gives us that fluidity that we want, and he can obviously handle a football, which is important."

As we reported this morning Patino doesn’t solve the left side issue defensively but the Swans are very busy today - and expect to be over the coming days talking to two more potential recruits. One is Bashir Humphreys the Chelsea defender who shone during his clubs recent USA tour. He played in every game. That’s going to move on into the weekend we feel with Duff selecting from what he already has for this weekend first away game in the championship.

More Swans news later.

Photograph licensed from Reuters

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