Swansea City defender Alfie Mawson is still a target for West Ham United, according to Wales Online.

The Hammers are reportedly still ‘in the frame’ for the £20million rated defender, despite Premier League rivals Burnley remaining in pole position for the Englishman’s signature.

Mawson will miss the start of the new season as he is still out with a knee injury that he picked up at the end of last yet, and is recovering after surgery.

West Ham initiated contact with the Swans over the availability of the defender before Burnley becomes interested and have since been in talks with the Championship side.

Th 24-year-old has a desire to stay in the top flight of English football after Swansea’s relegation last year.

Mawson has made 65 appearances for the Welsh side, scoring six goals during his two years at the Liberty Stadium.

The Verdict

Swansea should look to get a deal done as soon as possible, despite the defender’s injury.

Every penny earned would ideally go back into the squad to allow manager Graham Potter to invest in his team with less than two weeks until the Championship season starts.

West Ham were the first to big for Mawson this summer with their initial offer rejected.

Since then, Burnley have become clear favourites for his signature.

What Mawson needs to do, ideally, is to recover from his injury first.

But that won’t stop the Premier League sides looking to swoop in to take him away from the Liberty Stadium.

The fee Swansea receive will be impressive for a player who has only played two seasons in the top flight.

And the Welsh side should look to start considering accepting one of the offers sooner rather than later before the transfer window closes.