• Premier League

Rodgers barred from swooping for Swans stars

Swansea City Chairman Huw Jenkins © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Rodgers ready to bring Sigurdsson to Liverpool
  
• News: Liverpool don't expect instant success from Rodgers
  
• News: Rodgers confirmed as Liverpool manager
  

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has confirmed that the deal taking Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool also includes a "player protection" clause, meaning the Anfield side cannot sign any of their players for 12 months.

Rodgers, who has joined Liverpool after a £7 million compensation package was agreed, will now not be allowed to move for speculated targets Joe Allen, Neil Taylor and Ashley Williams.

"We have got some protection, which I think is the right thing," Jenkins told the BBC on Friday, with the club fearing a raid of their star assets.

Jenkins also confirmed that Gylfi Sigurdsson's deal with the club is close to completion, with the Icelandic international already having agreed personal terms and set to sign on return from his holiday next week.

Rodgers was unveiled as Liverpool manager earlier on Friday morning, with Swansea now examining options for his replacement.

High on the list of possible candidates is Graeme Jones, Wigan's assistant manager, who worked for the club under Roberto Martinez before heading for the DW Stadium.

"We are speaking to a number of people and try to do things the right way by getting permission off clubs to speak to people," Jenkins added.

"There are a small number of people who would suit our football club and that we would all be happy to work with. Graeme Jones is obviously one of them but over the next few days we will be reviewing all the initial conversations and moving forward."

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan also confirmed that he would be happy to let Jones talk to the Swans, should an official approach be made: "We got him from Swansea so it's only fair we let Swansea speak to him if they want to."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.