Vorm Expected Today And Ayala Could Follow

Dutch goalkeeper Michel Vorm will now travel to South Wales today following the Nederlands' friendly cancellation. While Jenkins admits to Daniel Ayala interest.

The opportunity for Michel Vorm to arrive early in Swansea gives him every chance of involvement in Monday's Premier League opener against Manchester City and, he has already expressed his delight over the move:

"It`s an ambitious club. They are enthusiastic and play constructive football from the back.

"They come from the Premier League. Surely there are few leagues that are better."

Huw Jenkins followed that statement up by saying: "It (the cancellation of the England game) has worked out well for us as he will hopefully travel here (today) and, if everything goes well, complete his medical ready and in time to train with the squad in preparation for Monday.

"We can`t hide from the fact Dorus de Vries did a great job for us over the past few years and it was disappointing to see him go.

"But we had to make sure we got in the right keeper we wanted who was ready for the task at hand."

With the goalkeeping issue seemingly now resolved - Brendan Rodgers has aluded to the need of defensive options for the upcoming Premier League Campaign. The reported interest in Daniel Ayala has been confirmed by the Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins:

"Brendan has mentioned that we are looking at bringing one or two more signings and the defence is a part we are looking at.

"Whether that`s Daniel from Liverpool or another defender, no doubt Brendan over the next few days and before the transfer deadline will bring somebody in."

That 'other' defender could well be Middlesbrough captain Matthew Bates, as Boro' boss Tony Mowbray confirms that talks have been initiated with Brendan Rodgers over a possible move. Matthew Bates has one-year left on his current deal but, Mowbray has admitted that it would take a 'great offer' for him to let his captain leave:

"I have spoken to Brendan (Rodgers, the Swansea manager)," admitted Mowbray. "He has inquired. Matthew is our player. The bottom line is that Matthew is my captain, it would take a great offer for me to let my captain go. We will see.

With injury concerns over club captain Gary Monk, Ashley Williams and Steven Caulker will start at the heart of the defense against Manchester City with Alan Tate expected to fill the void at left back due to Neil Taylor's suspension.

Taylor, himself who recently signed a new four-year deal, has spoken out over his disappointed at missing the season opener:

"It hasn`t been an easy summer and the suspension has made it longer. Missing the first game is one of the worst suspensions I`ve ever heard of.

"I am dying for a game, I have had a good pre-season and I think that facing Australia will be a good test and it`s a match we need with Euro 2012 qualifiers coming up."

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