According to Football Ghana, reported Derby County target Andre Ayew is to remain at Swansea City.
The Ghana football editorial claimed Rams manager Phillip Cocu was eyeing a deadline day move for Ayew. The Swansea attacker previously played under the Dutchman while on loan at Fenerbahce last term.
It remains to be seen how serious Derby were in taking him on. After all, Ayew once cost West Ham United £18.5 million (BBC) and he still harbours hopes of playing at the highest level.
But after a season away from the Swans last term, he now appears set to help the Welsh club in their promotion hunt. Ghana Football claim clubs abroad still want him, but Swansea boss Steve Copper has other ideas.
Ayew came back into the fold during Swansea’s recent Carabao Cup win over Northampton Town, netting a brace. The 29-year-old followed that up with two assists in the recent Championship win over Queens Park Rangers.
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If the former Marseille man can rediscover his best form, Swansea may have a top Championship player on their hands eager for another shot at the Premier League. Derby, meanwhile, can only look on and wonder what if.
The Rams have made an indifferent start under Phillip Cocu’s reign. They have picked up five points from four games, scoring just five goals.
Cocu wanted to strengthen Derby’s wide options ahead of the transfer deadline. It’s an area of weakness for the Rams, and they only managed to sign Bristol City’s Jamie Paterson on loan.
Ayew would have seriously bolstered the Rams’ attacking options. The Ghanaian isn’t just a goal scorer, he is also a creator – posting double figures for assists during his spell in the top-flight.