Swansea City Hang On To Midfield Duo

Swansea City will be delighted to see the transfer window shut today with Leon Britton and Darren Pratley still at the club.

The midfield duo were subject to potential moves elsewhere with speculation linking them £1.5m plus moves to Wigan Athletic and Nottingham Forest respectively.

Roberto Martinez at Wigan enquired about Britton whilst there have been reports suggesting that Nottingham Forest were lining up a 7-figure bid for Pratley.

Leon Britton's future at the Liberty Stadium was the main one to be in major doubt. The former West Ham United player, now in his 8th season with the Swans, has refused to have talks about a new contract until the end of the season - when he'll be available to leave on a free.

Paulo Sousa will be boosted with the news that Darren Pratley and Leon Britton will stay until the end of the season at least.

Angel Rangel has also been linked with a move but chairman Huw Jenkins said:

'I'm delighted the deadline has passed with our squad as strong as ever,''

'There was serious interest in Leon (Britton), Darren (Pratley) and Angel (Rangel). But we resisted the temptation to leave them go, taking into account the high value we place on the players as individuals and within the squad.

'Paulo feels it is in the club's best interest to keep everyone together until the end of the season at least; focused and committed to help us achieve a position as high as we can.

'All the players involved understand our position to retain their services this season. They know how important they are to us and are fully committed and loyal to Swansea City Football Club.

'The club is very pleased the deadline has come and gone. Now I hope we can end all the transfer speculation surrounding our players and concentrate fully on the visit of Preston on Saturday.

'We are well positioned in the league and if we all stick together then anything is possible.''

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