Michu’s Champions League dream fuels Swansea departure rumours

Swansea City’s Spanish sensation Michu could soon be saying ‘despedida’ to the Liberty Stadium and ‘hola’ to the bright lights of the Champions League after expressing his desire to dine at the top table of English football.

Michael Laudrup’s side remain available at evens to finish in the top ten of the Premier League this season but the Swans could find their wings clipped with the departure of the forward.

Signed for just £2 million in the summer of 2012, the striker enjoyed a fantastic debut season in the English top-flight, scoring 18 league goals in 35 appearances along with three goals in the Capital One Cup as the Welsh club secured its first major piece of silverware.

However, after just a single season of success with the club, it would now appear that the former Real Oviedo man is looking onwards and upwards.

Speaking after Laudrup’s side drew 1-1 with relegation-threatened Norwich, the 27-year-old spoke in frank terms about his future.

“Every player dreams about playing in big teams, clubs who play in the Champions League and fight for titles, I am no different,” he told reporters.

“I’m very happy at Swansea but it is obvious that every player wants to grow up and see how far you can go.”

While Michu has yet to hit the heights of last season, with the Spaniard scoring four league goals so far this term, he continues to be linked with a move to one of the teams chasing a Champions League place in the Premier League.

Arsenal, for instance, are believed to be long-time admirers of the forward and after losing 6-3 to rivals Manchester City at the weekend, the addition of the Swans star could make the table-toppers a worthy shout to win the league at odds of 7/2 with Ladbrokes.

Liverpool are similarly said to be keen on landing Michu, with Brendan Rodgers eager to bolster the Reds’ attacking options as they chase a top four finish, priced at 4/9 after their 5-0 hammering of Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

With a World Cup just around the corner, the forward, who has been capped by Spain, will also have his eye on making the plane to Brazil and a move to a top four club could bolster his prospects.

Michu’s departure could see Swansea slip out of the top ten come the conclusion of the campaign, an eventuality that’s available at 8/1.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim three £10 free bets when you bet £10.