Swansea keen on move for Chelsea star John Terry if they survive

Swansea City would be interested in pursuing a move for Chelsea captain John Terry if they avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Terry has announced he will be leaving the Blues upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season after more than 18 years as a member of the first-team squad.

Manager Paul Clement worked with the defender while he was at Chelsea in numerous coaching roles earlier in his career and will look at the chance of taking the 36-year-old on a free transfer if the Swans stay up.

“I would like to say, having worked with him, what a fantastic player he is and what a career he has had,” Clement told reporters ahead of Swansea’s home match against Stoke City on Saturday.

“He is a great talent and one of a dying breed of leaders. He has represented that club so well. Players are too quick to move on from club to club now but congratulations to him.

“If we stay up why wouldn’t we be interested? I know him well and would be more than happy to speak to him.

“That is not something I have thought about at this point, we have to focus on players and games we have got and when the season finishes we can talk about potential targets.”

One of John Terry’s best for the Blues? pic.twitter.com/BjdkI5t8VF

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 19, 2017

A dreadful run of one point from six games has Swansea sitting 18th in the table, two points adrift of safety with five matches left to play as they prepare for the visit of 11th-placed Stoke.

“There are five games left with three at home,” said Clement. “Our form has been better at home than away and the fact Hull are home to Watford, a game I believe they will win, we have to win. 

“I hope the players respond, they have not responded well over the last six games when pressure has been there but we have to perform to alleviate it. Otherwise the last few games will be for nothing.

“During the game and after there are a lot of emotions. Some are anger, then there is frustration and then you look back more sensibly. 

“I am still optimistic and I get that from the players still. They were disappointed after Watford, but we spoke about how we can do better and the last couple of days have been very positive.

“The players 100 per cent [have the stomach for a fight], they battle and go hammer and tongs in training. They know what is needed, intensity in training is there. If I had seen something different in terms of mood I would be worried. I am not.”