Get the latest Swans news sent straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Swansea City maintain an interest in signing St Etienne left-back Franck Tabanou – according to reports in France.

Boss Garry Monk was strongly linked with a move for the former France Under-21 international in January, with a fee of around £3m seen as enough for the player to make a move.

Tabanou's agent Philippe Lamboley said at the time: “The two clubs are in discussions, but I cannot confirm a bid has been made."

While there was no progress on a deal earlier this year, it seems Monk is clearly keen on keeping tabs on the player with some reports suggesting a move is imminent.

Pictures: The players Garry Monk could swoop for this summer

Swansea City to play in Texas pre-season tournament as part of Premier League preparations

The Swansea manager has long been after competition for Neil Taylor on the left side of his defence with French media speculating Tabanou is the man to fill the gap.

Tabanou has been converted to a defender after spending most of his early career on the wing.

But one stumbling block to a move to the Liberty Stadium could be the player's success with St Etienne.

The French club are currently fourth in Ligue 1, two points behind AS Monaco and three ahead of Olympique Marseille.

poll loading Would Franck Tabanou be a good signing for Swansea City? 0+ VOTES SO FAR YES NO

Should St Etienne qualify for the Champions League, it seems likely Tabanou would stay in France for a chance to play in Europe's premier club competition.

But if they miss out, a move may be on the cards with Tabanou, who has played 36 times for his club this season, scoring one goal in a recent 1-0 win over Nantes, clearly a man in demand.

He's been an integral part of the St Etienne side as they continue to punch above their weight by competing with the likes of cash rich Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.

Only the top three clubs in France qualify for the next season's Champions League with the top two reaching the tournament automatically.

The third-placed team enter the qualifying stage.

Kevin Theophile-Catherine, on loan from Cardiff City, has also been a part of St Etienne's impressive campaign.