Rodgers aiming to keep squad intact

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers insists the club have no intention of selling any of their first-team players in the January transfer window.

The Welsh outfit have been linked with a loan move for Chelsea youngster Josh McEachran, and the Swans manager admits he is on the lookout for an “intelligent’ midfielder”, as they look to ensure their top-flight status after an impressive start to their maiden Premier League campaign.

“I’m sure there will be a raft of players linked to clubs in the coming weeks, but we want to keep our best players,” Rodgers said.

“The spirit is unique at this football club and the players can see the progress they are making here as individuals.”

“There is a lot of speculation and in a way it’s great because it shows the players are doing well.”

“But they also understand that it comes on the back of performing well.”

“It’s nice for them to be recognised but they know they are at a great club that is moving forward and they understand that speculation is part of this business. We don’t take too much notice of it.”

“There will not be many signings but I want one more to bring in. I like to have plenty of midfielders, especially intelligent ones that can offer different solutions for different games.”

Whilst avoiding relegation is the top priority for Rodgers, he has suggested he will not take a weakened side to Barnsley for the FA Cup third-round tie at Oakwell on Saturday.

“Survival is our priority but this is a competition that you can gain momentum from doing well in,” he said. “If you get a bit of luck in the draw you can find yourself doing very well.”

“As a club we all had one of the best days of our lives when we won the play-off final at Wembley in May and at this level there are few chances to get back to play on that stage again.”

“It’s there in the distance for teams that want it and after our experience there is no-one who wouldn’t want to go back there and the Cup is a chance to do that.”

“But we understand the challenge we will face at Barnsley, it will be tough and we will take a strong squad.”