Town chief executive Simon Clegg and Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins opened talks regarding Jason Scotland’s proposed return to the Swans last night, according to reports in Wales. News of the Welsh club’s renewed move for the Trinidad and Tobago international first broke yesterday, although with no official contact having been made by the time manager Paul Jewell spoke after yesterday’s 2-0 win at FC Eindhoven.
Swansea are reported to want to sign Scotland, who has a year left on his Blues contract, on a free transfer, while Town are said to be looking for a deal where they receive up to £500,000 based on the 32-year-old’s appearances and goals in what would be his second spell at the Liberty Stadium.
Scotland, who appears to be surplus to requirements at Portman Road since the signings of Michael Chopra and Nathan Ellington and with a third new frontman also targeted, enjoyed a highly successful spell with the Swans between 2007 and 2009, scoring 53 goals in 91 starts and 14 sub appearances.
The now-Premier League side made an attempt to sign last summer’s £750,000 recruit from Wigan Athletic on loan in February but the clubs were unable to agree a deal.
After that move broke down, Swansea took fellow Blue Tamás Priskin on loan for the remainder of the season, a deal which eventually led to the recently resolved spat between the clubs regarding the Swans’ failure to pay Town £300,000 in wages and a bonus relating to the Welsh side’s promotion through the play-offs.
Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday were previously linked with Scotland this summer, although the Owls appear confused about their interest with owner Milan Mandaric confirming it but manager Gary Megson dismissing the claims. Rumours over the last couple of days have linked Barnsley.
We understand Simon Clegg is due in Dublin today for one of his regular meetings with club owner and chairman Marcus Evans, with Scotland's proposed switch to Swansea and Town's offers for a striker and a wideman certain to be on the agenda.