An attempt to catch up with what I've missed since heading on my own tour of the Far East...
I've been lazy with the blog since jetting off on holiday. Apologies. Without further ado, here's some selected news which seemed worthy of a mention.
Tate joins Aberdeen on loan
I think this is a good move for Tatey. He clearly doesn't feature in Laudrup's plans, and he's not the type to sit around not playing first team football - despite his blatant love of all things Swansea City. With the Dons pushing for a Europa League place (made all the more achievable by the continued absence of a certain team from Glasgow), he could enjoy a very good time of it indeed, and will have a familiar face in John Rankin - who he played alongside whilst still a member of the Man Utd youth setup.
Swansea make renewed approach for Tom Ince
Huw Jenkins has confirmed to the Daily Mail (link) that the club have again made an approach for Tom Ince. I was expecting a move late on in the window, as Huw looked to once again do one of his super-duper deals, but with rumours abounding that Ince is on new Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's list of potential acquisitions it appears his hand may have been forced, and this may well add a million or two to the transfer fee. I'd say if we get him for around £5million, it's a good bit of business.
Portsmouth sign Daniel Alfei on loan
This should be another good loan move for a Swansea defender (link). After scrambling their way through a 14-month administration period, Portsmouth are now desperate for cover in almost every position, but do have something good to contemplate as they're now in the hands of their own Supporters Trust. I'm sure Swansea fans wish them well, and hopefully young Alfei can get some valuable experience under his belt.
Ash wants Bony to get more regular game-time
Echoing what I've often banged on about, Ashley Williams has been in the press stating that if Bony is to continue to hit the heights he achieved against Man City it's important he thinks he's the no1 striker.
"Wednesday was the best he has played, I am pleased for him and that is the main positive we can take from the game," said the Swansea skipper. Hopefully he will keep his place in the team and he can have that confidence of knowing he is needed and he is wanted and we can build our game around him.
"You could see his quality in the games he has played even if he had not hit that level yet. It's something we have lacked over the last few years, a bit more of a presence, and you saw his strength and finishing. He is a strong boy, his movement is good and he has that appetite to score goals, and I hope he gets a run now.
"My main hope with Wilfried is he gets another chance. Sometimes strikers need to know that they are going to play and they are wanted and are a big part of the team and hopefully he will stick in the team now.
"Even if he doesn't score he needs to play most of the time."