Russell Martin will be looking to assemble a squad at Swansea City that can compete nearer the top end of the Championship this upcoming season. 

One player that the Swans have been closely linked with is MK Dons central defender Harry Darling, with the 22-year-old emerging as one of League One's brightest prospects.

In an update, FLW exclusively learnt this morning that Chelsea and Brighton have joined the race for the exciting defender, dealing the South Wales club a blow.

Here, we take a look at three Harry Darling alternatives that the Swans should consider as a result...

Luke McNally 

Oxford United defender Luke McNally is someone who is destined for an excellent future, with the 22-year-old impressing alongside Elliot Moore during the 2021/22 campaign.

A technically gifted central defender, who is already reading the game very well, he is someone who provides the Oxford defence with composure.

Winning his defensive and aerial battles too, he is someone that ticks a lot of boxes.

Tottenham Hotspur have shown previous interest, which could complicate things for the Swans, however, Swansea could provide a more immediate route to first-team football.

 

 

Gabe Osho 

Despite injury curtailing his season with Luton Town, Gabe Osho enjoyed a strong campaign with the Hatters, impressing when deployed as a central defender or a holding midfielder.

The 23-year-old managed 26 appearances in all competitions for the Bedfordshire club last season, with his ball-carrying abilities, athleticism and intelligence standing out as three of his more prominent capabilities.

Someone that put in a mightily impressive performance against the Swans in February, he is someone that would cost a sizeable fee, but the ability he is showing now, combined with his incredibly high ceiling would make it worth it.

Jack Tucker 

Jack Tucker is another who ticks a lot of boxes for a modern-day central defender, whilst he also has such a high potential.

Suffering League One relegation with Gillingham, Tucker managed to impress with his consistent and mature displays.

A player that has already been linked with a move to South Wales, it would be a transfer that certainly makes sense when considering his technical ability and tactical awareness.