Swansea City are reportedly looking at bringing in AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong as a replacement for Jonjo Shelvey, should he leave in the January transfer window.

Shelvey has been highly linked with a move away from the Liberty Stadium after falling out of favour with the Swansea coaches and fans.

So if the 23-year-old does depart this month, Swansea are looking at fiesty Netherlands international Nigel de Jong as a straight replacement.

De Jong could be available for around £3.7 million, a price at which the Swans would be happy to give to Milan in exchange for the 31-year old’s services.

The Dutchman comes with some pedigree; he’s won the Premier League and FA Cup during his very successful tenure as a Manchester City player, won the Eredivisie title with Ajax and played in the 2010 World Cup final – although, he’ll probably be well known for his outrageous challenge on Spain’s Xabi Alonso, which he amazingly got away with.

De Jong is a tough tackler and has great control and passing abilty. Despite being 5′ 9′, he would provide real aggression and could prove to be ‘the tough guy’ in midfield, a title that Shelvey boasts at Swansea.