IF Paulo Sousa wanted the lowdown on David Cotterill, he need look no further than his own squad.

The Welsh international this week emerged as a potential transfer target for Swansea City, having fallen out of favour at Sheffield United.

And should Sousa confirm interest in the Cardiff-born midfielder, he doesn't need to go far to hear of his credentials.

Step forward Nathan Dyer.

The Swansea pace ace could compile a 1,000-page dossier on Cotterill, with whom he is well acquainted.

Friend, former team-mate and room-mate — Dyer knows all too well of the talent and living habits of the Blades speedster.

"He's got a lot of pace, skill and would be a great addition to our side," beamed Dyer, who played alongside the 15-cap Welshman during his loan spell at Sheffield United last season.

Pace

"I am an outlet for the club because of my pace and it would be great to have someone else that can do the same.

"We have good players who offer something different, but he has got all the attributes to do well here."

If Swansea were hoping to persuade any transfer target to South Wales then Dyer would be the man to sell the club to them.

Dyer has often told the story of how he was sold on Swansea when he sat in the stands at the Liberty Stadium last December when Sheffield United arrived in the city.

Frozen out at Bramall Lane, Dyer can share Cotterill's frustration at failing to get the opportunity to show his true potential.

After starting his career at Bristol City, the 21-year-old sealed a £2 million switch to Wigan.

But after falling down the pecking order, a temporary move to the Blades turned permanent after impressing boss Kevin Blackwell.

Frustrating

Cotterill, though, has since failed to win over Blackwell and has found his opportunities limited at the Championship club.

Like Cotterill, Dyer endured a frustrating stint at the Blades, but since arriving on loan at Swansea he has lit up the Liberty with his pace and talent.

His impact was enough to persuade then manager Roberto Martinez to equal the club record signing in the summer.

And he feels a move to Swansea would definitely help re-ignite Cotterill's career.

"He is a direct player that can get down the byline and put some crosses in. He is an exciting player that the fans would really like," said Dyer.

"He knows that we are a club that loves to play football the right way and we are heading in the right direction.

"He won't see us as a small club, he will see us as a club to progress — like I did.

"He will love the way we play. I've asked a lot of the guys that have come here why they came here and if they had any other options.

"They told me they had plenty of options but the way we play and the set up is what they wanted to be a part of.

"David is someone who wants to play football the right way and he could do that here."

"He is a talented player and I think he needs to be at a club like ours in order to play to his full potential."

So, given their relationship, Cotterill can expect a few phone calls and text messages from agent Dyer hoping to persuade him down to South Wales.

"I speak to him quite a lot, but I've not spoken to him about the move," admitted Dyer.

"I've seen it in the papers, so I'll have to give him a ring now and tell him about the club.

"He helped me fit in well up in Sheffield, so I would return the favour if he heads down here. Hopefully that will be the case," he added.