'Everybody is aware Swans need signings' - Sheehan

Alan Sheehan says Swansea City have work to do in the transfer market as they prepare to start the new Championship season at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Defender Kaelan Casey this week became Swansea's sixth summer signing, while Melker Widell has also arrived in Wales after his move was agreed in January.

But Swansea have said farewell to 15 players since finishing last season in 11th in the second tier and are working on a number of potential deals.

A centre-forward is a top priority, with Hammarby's Sweden Under-21 international Jusef Erabi a potential recruit.

Swansea are also looking to strengthen in midfield, with Brighton teenager Malick Yalcouye a top target.

The Swans failed in an attempt to bring Oli McBurnie back to his former club, while Sheehan has played down the idea of signing Wycombe's Richard Kone.

"We have lost a lot of people, a lot of experience," the Swansea head coach said.

"I think we have brought in some good players but everybody is aware that we need a couple more bodies."

Swansea are believed to have made a substantial offer to McBurnie, but the 29-year-old – who hails from Yorkshire – decided to join Hull City having had a string of options on the table.

"I spoke to Oli - I have known him a long time," said Sheehan, who played alongside a young McBurnie at Bradford City.

"But I understand his reasoning – personal and family reasons – so I respect that.

"It just didn't end up going in the right direction for different reasons. But it happens. We get on with it."

Swansea have reportedly tabled at least one bid for Kone, who scored 18 League One goals for Wycombe last season.

But Sheehan said: "I don't think there will be movement on that. There's been a lot of noise, but not as far as I am aware…"

On 22-year-old Erabi, Sheehan added: "I can't tell you a whole lot about that. I know that player. A decent player."

Swansea made room for a forward after selling Jerry Yates to Luton Town and sending Florian Bianchini on loan to Portsmouth.

Striker Mykola Kuharevich has also been sold this summer – having been on loan at Hibernian last season – while winger Josh Ginnelly will be allowed to leave should a suitable offer come in.

But it is not only in attack that Swansea are looking for recruits, with Sheehan looking for two midfielders and also eyeing a left-sided defender to offer cover for Josh Tymon.

With various injury issues affecting Swansea in pre-season, Sheehan's squad for Boro looks thin – but he insists the club's approach to the transfer market this summer has been positive.

"The recruitment strategy has been really aggressive," he said.

"We got work done early and then it has gone a bit quiet because of how the market changes. We have just got to get the right ones for us.

"Right now my whole focus has to go on to Middlesbrough."

Swansea endured another undulating season in 2024-25, with hopes of a play-off push at Christmas making way for concerns over a relegation scrap when Luke Williams lost his job in February.

Sheehan inspired a significant upturn in form after taking over as caretaker boss and, having been handed the reins on a full-time basis, is targeting further progress in the season ahead.

"We need more bodies to come in, but I think we can be competitive with what we have because there are a lot of players in that dressing room who have my trust and I know we are going to get 100% out of every week," he said.

"We want to build on last year, we want to evolve, we want to become a better team. Let's just say we want to finish higher than last year."