Swans target striker Kuqi

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