Swans target striker Kuqi

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Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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This is SouthWales

SHEFKI Kuqi has emerged as a potential transfer-window target for Swansea City.

The veteran Finland international is keen on a return to British football after leaving for Germany last summer.

And it is understood Swansea are considering offering Kuqi a chance as they seek to add further physical presence to their forward line.

At 33, Kuqi could hardly be considered a long-term option.

But the former Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich, Blackburn, Crystal Palace and Fulham player could fit the bill for Paulo Sousa.

The Swansea manager is keen to recruit a powerhouse striker capable of leading the line on his own in January and it is thought Kuqi's wages would be within the club's budget.

Chasing

Huw Jenkins would not discuss the Kuqi situation, but he did admit that he is the sort of player Swansea are chasing.

"Paulo is looking for a big, strong centre-forward, there's no secret there," the Swansea chairman said.

Kuqi is currently playing for German second-tier side TuS Koblenz after rejecting the chance to stay at Palace last summer.

The 58-cap star spent five seasons playing in Finland before joining Stockport County almost nine years ago.

Next came a stint at Wednesday before a move to Ipswich saw Kuqi shoot to prominence.

He struck 20 second-tier goals in 2004-05 to earn himself a chance in the Premier League with Blackburn, where he scored seven goals in one season.

A £2.5million switch to Palace followed in 2006 and Kuqi endured mixed fortunes at Selhurst Park.

He had another stint in the top flight on a four-month loan with Fulham in 2007 and a temporary spell back at Ipswich before winning over Neil Warnock last season, when he finished as Palace's top scorer.

But Kuqi rejected the offer of a new contract, leaving London to join younger brother Njazi at Koblenz.

Kuqi senior, who is famed for his 'swan dive' goal celebration, has an overall record of 89 goals in 244 starts and 89 substitute appearances in the English game.

Jenkins, meantime, revealed that there may be "one or two" things going on during the January window, with Swansea keen to offload a couple of players as well as strengthen.

Assume

But the Swans chief says fans should not assume that Lee Trundle will not be kept on just because the club are looking for another centre-forward.

Trundle's loan from Bristol City expires at the end of the month and Swansea must decide whether they want to keep hold of their five-goal leading scorer.

"There's no definite yes or no yet with Lee," Jenkins said.

"Paulo will weigh up his options over the next week before making his decision."

gareth.vincent@swwmedia.co.uk

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  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by David, Swansea

    Tuesday, December 22 2009, 8:04PM

    “If it's goals you want (they are badly needed) at Kuqi's age why not check out whether Kevin Phillips is available on loan from Brum who will have money to burn in January?”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by DJ, Swansea

    Tuesday, December 22 2009, 6:54PM

    “The way things are going the Swans are going to have a team full of strikers who can't score and the only one who has proved he knows where the back of the net is can't get a start. What is going on? Paulo brought Trundle back on a loan agreement, Trundle repaid him by scoring goals that have definately helped putting the Swans in the position they are now in and he cannot get a start. We already have several strikers who cannot score, lets give the one who can a decent chance, at least until the end of the season”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by Tom, Not in Wigan

    Tuesday, December 22 2009, 3:31PM

    “To be honest, this would not be a bad short term loan until May, Kuqi can still score at the top level he proved that last season down here with Palace, then in Cardiff for Finland against Wales, but I can not see Sousa keeping Trundle! Secondly, Leon Britton's departure seems to be likely in January with him not playing last Saturday, his mind seemingly elsewhere!

    Merry Christmas to all Swans supporters on here!”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by claire tooze, swansea

    Tuesday, December 22 2009, 2:49PM

    “why cant we sell the dead wood powerhouse strikers we already have firstly eg beattie and pintado
    and sign somebody that can play along side the only striker at the club that can score goals magic daps.”

  • Profile image for This is SouthWales

    by norman p spencer, Caerphilly

    Tuesday, December 22 2009, 1:39PM

    “After reading this article I fear for the future of Lee Trundle at the club.
    He has been a good servant and entertainer but before anyone starts decrying the fact that he may be returning to Bristol City consider this.
    Lee is one of many modern - day professional footballers who frequently "kiss the badge" after scoring - and there is nothing wrong in that.
    The sincerity of this act in todays` pro. football scene is somewhat restrictive.
    Lee loves Swansea City of that I have no doubt but remember he was advised to "jump ship" (and did) on the eve of an important new season for the club after peviously featuring in some of the build-up friendly fixtures.
    Let us hope that whatever transpires that it works out for the best for all concerned.
    In Paulo we trust.”

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