Chelsea’s Crystal Palace exile could be Swansea’s survival hope

Early in the season few would have predicted Swansea finding themselves in a relegation battle before the New Year was welcomed, but as this Premier League campaign is proving, the unpredictable seems to be the norm.

The Swans began the season with eight points from four games, including victory over Manchester United and a deserved point against reigning champions Chelsea on the opening day.

However the Welsh side have won just twice since that success over Louis van Gaal’s men, in a spell which saw the departure of club stalwart and manager Garry Monk.

No permanent replacement has yet been announced, but a mini-revival under Alan Curtis has steadied the ship somewhat.

The club remain just two points above the drop zone however, and Ladbrokes are 4/1 that the Liberty Stadium outfit is playing Championship football next term.

With Swansea failing to score in six of their last nine fixtures, it’s clear where improvements are urgently required if they are to avoid the drop.

After selling Wilfried Bony to Manchester City in last year’s transfer window, Bafetimbi Gomis stepped up with six goals from February until the end of the campaign to fill the void.

Gomis continued that form with four goals in the opening four games this term, but has netted just once since then.

Swansea’s patience now appears to have run out with the Frenchman, and they have begun turning attention for ready-made replacements.

One of whom is reported to be Chelsea’s Patrick Bamford, recently available after enduring a torrid time at Crystal Palace.

Bamford impressed while on loan for Middlesbrough last season in the Championship, and the move to Palace was expected to be a success.

However a lack of game-time under Alan Pardew, despite Palace’s permanent roster of strikers failing to find form, left the 22-year-old calling his time at Selhurst Park as ‘terrible’ and the partnership ended earlier this week.

The striker has since apologised for his comments, but nevertheless he is now available on a loan deal and is eager to join another Premier League club.

Intelligent movement and a sharp eye for goal are just some of the attributes Bamford possesses that could see him fit in well in south Wales.

Throw in a need to impress and make some headlines, and there’s every reason the Englishman could be an ideal signing.

Swansea need a player to start scoring goals, and one might just have become available at exactly the right moment.

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

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