Swansea City can look ahead to next campaign with fresh optimism following an impressive run of one defeat in their last eight games.

This encouraging run of form has seen Graham Potter's side rise to ninth in the Championship table, but the play-offs are just out of their reach.

The Swans can now have more reason to feel positive about next season, but they must first negotiate a summer where a number of their key players will inevitably be linked with moves away from the club.

Much like last summer, Swansea may be forced to offload some of their highest earners in order to operate with a sustainable model for the Championship.

It would come as a major blow if this was to happen again this summer, as Potter has helped forge the club a fresh identity this season by leaning heavily on the club's academy set-up.

But even if the likes of Daniel James, Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts do edge towards moves away, Swansea must ensure they maintain the services of their leading marksman.

Oli McBurnie has cemented his status as a proven Championship goal-scorer this season by netting 19 times in his 39 league appearances this season.

The Swans have played some fine football this season, but have often struggled to deliver a cutting edge in the final third. This has meant they have depended heavily on McBurnie's potency to secure their mid-table finish.

Following Wednesday evening's 1-1 draw with Derby County, Graham Potter confirmed that the club will hold contract talks with McBurnie over the "next few days and weeks".

It is vital that McBurnie's services are retained, as he is capable of delivering guaranteed goals at this level. His tireless work rate and hold-up play also enables Swansea to structure their game play around his movements up top.

The Scottish international is also clearly very happy at the club and an evidently strong presence in the dressing room. This means he is exactly the kind of figure that Swansea should be holding on to, and looking to build their future around.

His current contract is due to expire in 2021, but Swansea would definitely be following the right course of action in offering him fresh terms that reflect his importance to the side.