Swans keen on Durkan swoop

Swans boss Brian Flynn has approached the Spotland club about signing the 29-year-old, as he looks to boost his squad who sit at the foot of the Nationwide League.

Durkan has played for Flynn before at Wrexham, where he came through the ranks as a youth trainee at the Racecourse Ground.

On Flynn's approach for Durkan, Dale player-manager Paul Simpson told his club's official website: "We have been approached by Swansea City manager Brian Flynn, with a view to signing Kieron Durkan and so far that's all there is to report.

"It will make sense for all concerned if a deal can be concluded, but there are a few matters that need ironing out.

"It's not just a case of dotting the i's and crossing the t's."

Durkan has fallen out-of-favour with Simpson's squad this season after signing for the club in the summer of 2001 from Macclesfield Town and would likely favour a move away from Rochdale to improve his chances of first team football.

Meanwhile, former Rochdale shot-stopper Martin Hodge has returned to Spotland to become the club's goalkeeping coach.

The 43-year-old returns to The Dale after being dismissed from a similar post at Division One strugglers Sheffield Wednesday, following the resignation of Terry Yorath as manager earlier this season.

In other news, Swansea City striker Jamie Wood will miss the next four matches after picking up his second red card for serious foul play in the holiday season match at Lincoln City.