Laudrup remains silent over Obertan

08 August 2012 09:47

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup was coy over speculation linking him with a move for Newcastle winger Gabriel Obertan after watching his side's 4-2 pre-season win over Blackpool.

Laudrup revealed on Monday he is closing in on another couple of additions to his squad, saying one deal in particular was not too far away from completion. As well as Obertan, Valencia's Pablo Hernandez and Hannover's Didier Ya Konan have also been mentioned as targets for the Dane.

But when Obertan's name was put to him, Laudrup said: "I can only say this - speculation about players coming in, I don't want to comment on that. It is better for me to say I don't comment on rumours, I can comment on things about our players as it is different. When something is near or is done then you can ask me all you want."

Danny Graham's hat-trick set the Swans on their way to a comfortable victory over the Seasiders, with new arrival Michu also getting on the scoresheet as Liverpool target Joe Allen watched from the stands, ahead of his crunch talks with Laudrup over the interest from Anfield.

A Ludovic Sylvestre strike and Thomas Ince's penalty provided some consolation for Blackpool.

And Laudrup was delighted to see Graham net his first Swansea hat-trick with the new season just around the corner.

He said: "Forwards live for goals and to start the first home game with three goals will give him a lot of confidence and it is always good for a team if the forward is working well."

New arrivals Michu, Chico Flores and Jonathan de Guzman all impressed on their Liberty Stadium debuts and Laudrup was pleased with their contributions.

He said: "I was happy with all three of them. Chico was very strong at the back, he was quick and has a fantastic attitude and he is forming a good partnership with Ashley Williams.

"Jonathan will fit perfectly with the way we play here and Michu can be the third midfielder or the second striker, he takes up good positions and scores goals so I am very happy with them."

Source: PA