Pablo in talks with Swansea

Derek Davis

PABLO Counago is in talks with Paulo Sousa about a possible move to Swansea City.

The Spanish striker, who hit 10 goals for Town last season, was given permission to talk to the Championship side after Ipswich accepted an improved offer from the south Wales club.

Negotiations are in an embryonic stage although it is thought Counago may travel to Barcelona over the weekend as Swansea are playing in a pre-season tournament in Spain at the moment and are not expected back until next week.

Town are understood to have rejected an earlier offer from Swansea for Counago, who was also admired by their former manager Roberto Martinez who is now at Wigan.

Portsmouth and West Brom also showed an interest in the striker who was originally signed by George Burley, released by Joe Royle and signed again for Town by Jim Magilton.

Counago impressed against the Swans last year when he netted both goals against them in the 2-2 draw at Portman Road in October. He also impressed new Swans boss Sousa when he was manager at QPR and Town won 3-1 at Loftus Road, with Counago climaxing a super showing in that game with a goal.

Sousa has been looking to sign a new striker since Jason Scotland followed Martinez to Wigan in a �2million move.

The Swans have been linked with Southampton's Marek Saganowski and former QPR loanee Samuel Di Carmine who is with Fiorentina but are believed to have made Counago their first choice target.

A groin injury picked up on the first day back for pre-season training at the beginning of the month has hampered Counago's chances of making an impression on Roy Keane, although he did score in the win at Cardiff in the new boss' first game in charge.

Popular with Blues fans, Counago has netted 56 goals for Town in more than 200 appearances for them in his two spells.

Spotted by George Burley when he scored against England Under 21s for Spain, Counago signed from Celta Vigo on a free and after drawing a blank in the Premier League banged in 19 goals in his first season in the Championship.

Although he helped Town to two play-offs under Royle, he struggled to get a regular place in the side ahead of the prolific Shefki Kuqi/Darren Bent partnership and left for Malaga in 2005 before being brought back two years ago.

While Counago could be leaving Cork City midfielder Colin Healy could complete his �60,000 move from Cork City today and make his Blues debut at Portman Road against Colchester United tomorrow.