Three Swansea players a 'Russell Martin Southampton' could try to sign

If they complete the appointment of Swansea City boss Russell Martin, they will have a manager with two years of studying the league inside and out.

Martin could also look to bring in one or two of his own players as well as his coaching team – Nathan Jones, for example, pushed for the signing of defender James Bree.

There are a few names that look like they could be a perfect fit for what Saints are going to be looking for when the window opens in June.

READ MORE: Southampton's Bree addresses Jones exit and sets Championship ambition

We have listed them and explained why it would not be a surprise to see links to St Mary’s over the next month…

Ryan Manning

Regardless of whether Romain Perraud stays or goes in the upcoming window, Saints are likely going to need reinforcement in the left-back position.

Youngsters Juan Larios and Thierry Small could possibly offer competition but there is one man set to leave from Swansea which sounds almost too good to be true.

Republic of Ireland international Ryan Manning is going to be available on a free transfer this summer after registering five goals and 10 assists in 43 Championship matches.

The 26 year old signed in 2020, was there for the entirety of Martin’s tenure and has racked up over 200 second-division appearances thanks to a QPR stint beforehand.

The defender is versatile and can play a few different positions – we would be surprised if Saints and Martin do not make an attempt to sign the Galway-born man.  

Matt Grimes

Former England under-21 international Matt Grimes has been pivotal to the way Swansea play under Martin, sitting in a lone defensive midfield role.

The number eight is expected to dictate the tempo and be versatile, dropping in between the two centre-backs to make a back three when the full-backs push up in possession.

Club captain Grimes, 27, hit his 250th appearance for Swansea during the end of the Championship season and he has managed that in just five seasons at the club.

Grimes has only missed four league games in that time period, playing in the playoffs twice. He could be the club’s answer to legend James Ward-Prowse leaving, in terms of durability.

The Exeter City academy graduate still has two years left on his current contract in South Wales but, with the financial muscle Saints are set to have, a deal is not beyond the realm of possibility.

Joel Piroe

Joel Piroe, just 23 years old, has led the line for Martin’s Swansea over the last two seasons in his distinctive 4-1-4-1 possession-based system.

The Dutchman, also eligible for Suriname, has scored 22 and 19 goals in 45 and 43 Championship appearances respectively in this role since moving from PSV.

The thing about all three of these players is that they barely miss a game and in a long, gruelling Championship campaign, that can be one of the most valuable factors.

Piroe has not yet reached his ceiling and could help fire Saints to a top-six or top-two finish if the wingers in Martin’s system are also scoring goals.

Saints have the players in their squad already to top up Piroe’s scoring while he can also play on either wing under Martin if needed.

He only has 12 months left on his Swansea deal but would likely still fetch a decent sum, being a proven Championship goalscorer with years still to develop.

Would you sign any of these players this summer?