Transfer news: Swansea eager to sign striker before deadline

Michael Laudrup predicts a crazy day

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup (PA)

Michael Laudrup anticipates “a crazy day” of transfer business in the Barclays Premier League but expects his final Swansea target to arrive with minimal fuss.

Laudrup expects to bring in one striker on deadline day, having watched his side bank their first three points of the season with a 2-0 win at West Brom on Sunday.

The Dane admits he would rather have completed his summer signings before the last minute, but spoke calmly and condfidently about putting the finishing touch to his squad.

"We have to go into the last day having not done everything, which is not ideal because it will be a crazy day, but hopefully we'll finish in time," said Laudrup after goals from Ben Davies and Pablo Hernandez put the Baggies away.

"I've been asked about a lot of players and I've always said we want one more striker with different characteristics to Wilfried Bony and Michu. We will add one."

Albion's out-of-favour forward Peter Odemwingie is one of those linked to Swansea, but Laudrup would not be drawn on names.

"We've had five, six, seven players linked and one will join, but not more than one," he said.

"I don't want to go into details but let's say we hope to finish it as quickly as possible."

West Brom boss Steve Clarke is looking to strengthen in the same area of the pitch after seeing his side go a third straight league game without scoring.

Clarke's men are bottom of the table with just one point and he is hoping to have new resources available by the close of play.

"I've spoken at length on about the need to bring fresh faces in to the club," he said.

"I hope there will be some good news for the supporters, we all need good news...even I need some good news.

"I need some players in forward areas that can give us a bit of quality so we create chances.

"All the top teams have that through the centre and have pace on the wider areas.

"(Sporting director) Richard (Garlick) and Mark Jenkins, the chief executive, have been working hard to make this club better and make them more competitive."

Asked about the likelihood of Odemwingie being at the club in 24 hours' time, Clarke said: "I have no idea about Peter Odemwingie, that's the truth. I think it is 50-50 over whether Odemwingie goes."

Clarke restored another complex character to his starting XI against Swansea, giving Nicolas Anelka 90 minutes less than two weeks after reports of his retirement.

He played down the issue in his post-match media conference, insisting Anelka was simply another squad member since returning from compassionate leave.

"I thought Nicolas' performance was really good and I picked him in the starting XI so I must have been happy with him (in training)," said the Scot.

"Nicolas is part of the squad and he's a good player; his performance showed he is a good player."

PA