BRENDAN Rodgers could sign trialist Yves Makabu-Makalambay after identifying goalkeeper as a position that needs strengthening.

The Swansea City manager has taken a close look at Makalambay in training this week.

And he has hinted the 24-year-old former Chelsea youngster could now be offered a deal.

Makalambay, who won a first cap for Congo this summer, would be able to sign now even though the transfer window is closed because he is a free agent after leaving Hibernian.

"It's an area that I've looked at and I think we need a more senior keeper," Rodgers said.

"At the moment we have got Dorus (de Vries) who is No. 1 and we have Dave (Cornell) who at 19 has been a loyal and terrific No. 2.

"But for his career, Dave needs to play games.

"But before that can happen, I want to get a No. 2 keeper in who has a bit of experience and who will fit into our way of playing, someone in between Dorus and Dave if you like."

Makalambay played more than 60 times for Hibs after joining the Edinburgh club from Chelsea three years ago.

But he was released this summer after a change of manager at Easter Road saw him drop down the pecking order.

A towering presence at 6ft 6in, the Belgian-born stopper played under Rodgers when he was in charge of Chelsea's youth set-up.

"I know him very well," Rodgers added.

"He sat on the bench at Chelsea when they played Barcelona — he was in and around some big games and he was offered a new deal there.

"But he turned down the deal to join Hibs when John Collins was the manager and he was his No. 1.

"But as sometimes happens, he was in and out of the team after the manager changed.

"I have got no doubt about his qualities, though.

"I wanted to have a look at him in and around the group this week.

"We need someone to push our No. 1 keeper, a loyal No. 2 who will wait for a chance and then take it when it comes.

"Yves is a big presence and a good guy. I will have a chat with (goalkeeping coach) Adrian Tucker and then we'll see what we can do."

gareth vincent