Tough task faces Swans' transfer chiefs as they go in search of goals

IF there were any doubts over the level of work still needed at Swansea City in the transfer window, they will surely have dissipated after Saturday's opening-day defeat to Middlesbrough.

- TOM COLEMAN Sport reporter

Swansea battled reasonably well at the Riverside and, barring one setpiece, looked pretty solid defensively.

Indeed, Alan Sheehan probably had a point when he claimed 0-0 might have been a fair result.

But Swansea simply never looked like scoring, and that’s a real worry heading into the upcoming campaign.

Some will point to lack of creativity in midfield, and the disconnect between the rest of the side and lone striker Liam Cullen, who looked utterly isolated for most of the afternoon.

Others, however, will point to the lack of a natural out-and-out number nine.

Sure, Cullen is an important part of this team, but as has been said on countless occasions, he's seemingly better suited to a supporting role.

Sheehan, in fairness, probably recognises that point. But with Zan Vipotnik clearly not fully fit on the day, it was perhaps a case of needs must.

Options for leading the line, in light of the departures of Jerry Yates and Mykola Kuharevich, are sparse right now.

Many understandably assumed the pair's exits were an indication of an imminent arrival, but Swansea have been frustrated in their efforts to add more firepower so far.

Their efforts to bring Oli McBurnie back to the club proved fruitless, while their interest in Wycombe Wanderers striker Richard Kone looks to have cooled significantly.