Swansea close in on appointment of Duff, with Martin set for Southampton

Swansea are hopeful of appointing Barnsley’s Michael Duff as their next manager, with Russell Martin’s protracted exit to Southampton set to be rubber-stamped in the next 48 hours. Swansea have held informal talks with Duff in recent days and are confident of striking a deal.

The Championship club identified Duff and Chris Davies, Brendan Rodgers’ long-standing assistant, as targets to succeed Martin but the latter is in line to join Ange Postecoglou’s staff at Tottenham. John Eustace, the Birmingham City manager, was also thought to be of interest.

Duff guided Barnsley to the League One playoff final this season and impressed in his first management role, at Cheltenham Town, where he started his playing career. Duff led Cheltenham to the League Two title in 2021 and to 15th in League One the following campaign, the club’s highest finish.

Martin’s exit to relegated Southampton has been delayed because Swansea argued Southampton should pay maximum compensation, after approaching them while still a Premier League club. Martin agreed to take charge at St Mary’s at the end of last month.

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Swansea return to pre-season on Friday before flying to Alicante for a training camp on Sunday. Martin is thought to be keen on taking Matt Grimes, the Swansea captain, to Southampton, and Swansea’s talisman, Joel Piroe, is likely to depart. The Dutch striker, who has scored at least 20 goals in both of his seasons at the club since signing from PSV, has 12 months on his contract.