The Swans are reportedly among several clubs keen on the striker
Dom Ballard is reportedly a man in demand this summer(Image: Getty)
Swansea City have once again been tipped as admirers of Leyton Orient striker Dom Ballard – but could face a battle for his signature.
According to the Mail, Swansea are facing competition from three other sides for the 21-year-old, who scored 23 goals in League One last season for Orient.
Championship rivals Bristol City have been credited with interest, while it’s claimed Bundesliga side Werder Bremen have also watched him.
Newly-relegated West Ham United have also been tipped to potentially move for the striker, as they look to rebuild their squad and challenge for a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Interestingly, the suggestion at this stage is that the Hammers are seen as a particularly appealing option for the League One Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season.
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The England under-20 international came through the ranks of Southampton, and had three spells out on loan before the Saints opted to cash in last summer, with Ballard moving to Orient on deadline day.
He joined Orient on a three-year contract with an option of a fourth for an undisclosed fee, and has since emerged as one of the hottest prospects in League One.
Swansea have already enjoyed success in recruiting from the O’s, with Ethan Galbraith joining last summer for a fee of around £1.5m.
Coincidentally, the Northern Irishman has also caught the attention of West Ham, whose activities could well have a big impact on Swansea’s summer.
Having monitored Galbraith for the best part of a year, it’s understood the Hammers are also admirers of Swansea’s star striker Zan Vipotnik, who has recently been linked with a move to Portuguese giants Sporting.
Should the club move for Ballard, it might well signal an end to their interest in the Slovenian, who’s expected to command a fee north of £15m this summer.
The extent of Swansea’s interest in Ballard isn’t yet known, but should Vipotnik be sold they will clearly be on the look out for a replacement this summer.
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