Opinion: Sheffield United man could prove to be ideal Ryan Manning replacement for Swansea City | OneFootball

Swansea City will be determined to get back to winning ways in the Championship tomorrow when they host Stoke City.

The Swans were unable to back up their recent triumph over Blackpool in last Saturday’s showdown with Blackburn Rovers as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at Ewood Park.

Currently seven points adrift of the play-off places, Swansea will need to improve their consistency over the course of the coming months if they are to emerge as a legitimate contender for a top-six finish.

Ahead of the club’s meeting with Stoke, Swansea head coach Russell Martin has confirmed in an interview with Wales Online that Ryan Manning is not set to sign a new contract.

Manning’s current deal is set to expire in June and thus he will become a free-agent ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

This particular update is unquestionably a blow for Swansea as the 26-year-old has produced some promising performances this season.

eight goals at this level.

With the left-back set to move on to pastures new, Swansea will now need to identify a replacement for him before the transfer window opens this summer.

One of the individuals he could potentially fill the void left by Manning is Sheffield United defender Enda Stevens.

Stevens’ current contract at Bramall Lane is set to reach a crescendo later this year and thus Swansea will not have to pay a fee for him if he does not agree to fresh terms.

There is a reasonable chance that the Blades will opt against extending Stevens’ stay if they achieve promotion to the Premier League as he has only made 10 league appearances this season due to the presence of Max Lowe.

With the Blades also being able to call upon the services of Jack Robinson and Rhys Norrington-Davies, they are well-stocked in this position and thus could deem Stevens to be surplus to requirements.

As it stands, Swansea will be competing in the Championship again next season and so signing a defender who knows exactly what it takes to succeed at this level would be a wise move.

Stevens certainly fits this criteria as during his career, he has made 136 appearances in this division.

scored six goals and has provided 16 assists in the second-tier.

By signing Stevens on a free transfer, Swansea will save some funds that could be used for other deals over the course of the summer.

Providing that they are able to nail their recruitment later this year, it would not be a shock if the Swans go on to reach new heights at this level with Stevens in the side.

Think you’re a hardcore Swansea City fan? Try score 20/20 on this quiz all about the club

1 of 20

In which year was the club formed?

1906 1908 1910 1912