Laudrup reveals big guns snub

Michael Laudrup has admitted he rejected the approaches of a number of big European clubs to stay at Swansea.

The Dane was linked with an array of teams, including Paris Saint-Germain, during the close-season following an excellent first campaign in Wales.

Laudrup guided the club to their first major trophy as they beat Bradford City in the League Cup final in February, also earning a spot in this season’s UEFA Europa League as a result.

Rumours of a falling out between the manager and club chairman Huw Jenkins also surfaced after Swansea severed ties with Laudrup’s agent, Bayram Tutumlu, but the former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder has stressed his commitment to remaining at the Liberty Stadium.

“Yes there were clubs – a couple of big ones as well – who wanted me,” he told The South Wales Evening Post.

“But it never became anything more than that. As I’ve said and confirmed many times, I wanted to stay and I told players when they asked me before they extended their contracts.

“I didn’t want to run away from that.

“It’s normal after a season which was good for everybody that there is a lot of interest and eyes on all of us – domestically and internationally.

“But I didn’t have to speak to anyone because I want to stay here.”

Swansea are reportedly close to clinching the signing of Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony for a fee in the region of £13 million.

The Ivorian would their sixth signing of the transfer window, joining the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Jose Canas at the club.

And Laudrup is eager to praise the Swansea hierarchy for their work in bolstering the squad.

“The board have delivered on signings,” he added.

“But it wasn’t about saying I wanted this, this and this. Or I want £18m, £21m or £24m. It was about knowing we had to strengthen our team.

“We achieved so much last season, but just to maintain that position we had to improve. We’ve bought in the right standard of player.”