Martinez laughs off Rams claim

Bodde to join Swansea on pre-season trip to Sweden

Last updated: 6th July 2008

swansea ferrie bodde

Bodde: In demand

Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez is reading nothing into Derby County's decision to withdraw their bid for Ferrie Bodde.

Derby have been desperate to sign the Dutch midfielder and have seen three offers rejected by Swansea, who value Bodde at £2million.

Bodde is keen to move to Pride Park, but Rams chairman Adam Pearson claimed earlier in the week that the club would not be held to ransom.

However, Martinez appears to be taking Derby's statement with a pinch of salt, admitting he has seen it all before.

"I've seen this time after time," Martinez told the Evening Post.

"It was the same when Ronaldinho joined Barcelona from Paris St Germain and you always get this sort of thing. It's all part of negotiation."

Top quality player

Martinez also confirmed that the wantaway Bodde would be joining up with the rest of the squad on the pre-season trip to Sweden.

He added: "Ferrie's a player in demand, and all the top teams have got players in demand.

"In that respect we are happy to be in this situation. Ferrie is someone we were desperate to sign 12 months ago and he has shown why. He is a top quality player and the interest is normal.

"But he is a Swansea City player until something else happens and he is coming to Sweden with us."