Ugly duckling still might be a Swan?

Confirmation from Brendan Rodgers yesterday that Swansea have upped their offer for Wayne Routledge. We paid around £2m for him, and presumably are keen to get our money back for a player who was a great asset in the Championship but who has flattered to deceive in the top flight. What happens next will be interesting: we want to sell and the Swans are desperate to buy, but might we allow the recent dispute over Neil Taylor to affect how receptive we are to their advances?

Meanwhile, it's been reported that Wigan have rejected Aston Villa's bid for the Zog despite loveable Dave Whelan declaring that the Frenchman will definitely be sold. One ex-Toon player who will be at Villa Park this coming season, though, is Shay Given, who has ended his unhappy spell at Man City by signing a five-year deal and replaces Spurs-bound pensioner Brad Friedel. Expect him to get a standing ovation when Villa visit St James' - assuming he's first choice, that is...