What just happened in the Swansea City friendly no-one saw as Flynn Downes absent amid Crystal Palace and Wolves transfer interest

Flynn Downes was the big-name absentee as Swansea City faced Colchester United in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Tuesday afternoon.

The fixture - which took place at the club's Fairwood training complex - was played across four 30-minute quarters. An experimental side featuring a blend of youth and fringe players went 1-0 down as midfielder Luke Hannant put the visitors in front.

Joel Cotterill and Nathanael Ogbeta replaced Olivier Ntcham and Ryan Manning during the second quarter, although the Swans were pegged back again as ex-Swan Frank Nouble netted to ensure Martin's men lost the opening game 2-0.

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The hosts completely changed their starting XI ahead of the third quarter, and it represented a team that is far more aligned to what the Jack Army can expect to see in the upcoming campaign, with stars including Joel Piroe, Jamie Paterson, Matt Grimes and Michael Obafemi drafted in while summer signings Harry Darling, Matty Sorinola and Nathan Wood also featured.

Despite the strength of those on the pitch, League Two outfit Colchester remained resolute as the third 30-minute segment ended goalless, with Ben Lloyd - fresh from signing his first professional contract with the club - replacing Obafemi half way through the final quarter. And just as the second contest looked set to end goalless, Joel Latibeaudiere headed home Kyle Naughton's cross to earn the Swans a 1-0 win in match two following a largely dominant showing.

Downes did not feature for the hosts amid the uncertainty surrounding his future. Crystal Palace are among a clutch of clubs to enquire about the availability of the central midfielder, with