Well, we kept our side of the bargain but websites away from this one have decided to report on a striker which seems to be within the Swans ‘of interest’ list. Since we reported interest in a versatile winger, Richard Kone is now out of the bag, a striker with an incredible story to tell.

Kone, a Wycombe Wanderers striker isn’t just on the long list of players on the Swans radar. Primary interest is coming from Luton Town. The striker has seen some very successful times at the Chairboys since joining from Athletic Newham. That was during the last January transfer window nearly twelve months ago. He really hasn’t looked back since then. And he joined on a free transfer as well. The Swans will see Kone as a viable proposition, and we can confirm he is of interest, but that’s where the news stops. It is just only that.

We’ve asked about and this news is being generated by representatives of either Wycombe Wanderers or directly by agents away from the club. It isn’t difficult to track the news on this, simply one phone call blew the dust off this latest link. Clearly a few people don’t want to block this players talent, and are pretty keen to keep him in the news. The Swans won’t be commenting on any transfers publicly so it’s a case of if the news gets more traction as we go into January we can have another look.

We have to remember the Swans aren’t just chasing a few players, their list is extensive and includes some of the work ex Sporting Director, Paul Watson did before he left the club. So, who is Richard Kone ? He is twenty one and won’t be twenty two until July 2025. A Cote d'Ivoire citizen who is keen to progress his career quickly. His words not ours. A move to one of the clubs attracting interest in him will most certainly be seen as progression, however this Wycombe side has had a successful season to date. They have only lost two games all season and have scored forty six goals, they currently sit in second place in League One. Wycombe are above Wrexham which is no mean feat as the Chairboys have a very limited budget and seem to be doing things the right way.

We shouldn’t forget his goal at the Swansea.com that night in the League Cup second round either.

The fact that this young man was homeless in Côte d’Ivoire just a few years ago, and was playing in the Essex Senior League twelve months ago for Athletic Newham is quite a story. His openness about his sexuality ensured a pretty poor response locally when he told his parents. That was the start of his homelessness. He most certainly is a young player who wants to make strides quickly and a move into the Championship. He has scored some eighteen goals since he moved to Wycombe and became the first substitute to score a hatrick in League One for eight years. On Boxing Day he bagged two more away at Stevenage.

The question is at what price would Kone leave Wycombe for ?

We believe a highly inflated one with sources stating that he is worth five hundred thousand pounds. However, we believe that could price him out of any Swans bid especially with other clubs interested. Luton still have their parachute payments coming in from the Premier League and could easily outbid most clubs. There isn’t an issue for Swansea other than profit and sustainability, and as we have said, that is going to be a big driver come next month. Added to that Kone has just signed a contract extension in November. That also tells us that Wycombe will be looking for much bigger money to let him go.

More as we get it.

Photograph STEVE BRADING

Swansea City Polls