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Swansea City have been linked with the loan signing of Ola Toivonen from Ligue 1 outfit FC Toulouse.

He would tick a few boxes, that's for sure.

Here’s the full lowdown on the man who represented Sweden at the World Cup, what he could bring to Swansea and the inside track on his best qualities.

Who is Ola Toivonen?

Ola Toivonen is a 32-year-old midfielder/striker born in Sweden.

He currently plays for Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse, whom he signed for after a brief loan spell in the Premier League with Sunderland in the summer of 2015.

The centre-forward represented his country at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, scoring one goal and dishing out one assist over five appearances during the tournament.

What is his situation?

Toivonen has yet to make any appearances for Toulouse this season, the club he joined from Rennes back in 2016.

After making 31 appearances and scoring seven goals for the club last season, the Swans are reportedly eyeing the midfielder in an effort to bolster their attacking options, with Toulouse making their man surplus to requirements.

The Swede has experience in English football, helping to keep Sunderland afloat in the Premier League under Dick Advocaat, but he is facing uncertainty over first-team football in France.

Does he have much experience?

As previously mentioned, the Swede has represented his country on numerous occasions, earning 64 caps for his nation, whilst slotting home 14 goals in the process.

Toivonen made his professional debut back in 2003, with Swedish second division side Degerfors IF, but he has played across Europe for the likes of Malmö FF and PSV Eindhoven during his career.

He only made 12 appearances for the Black Cats during his loan spell back in 2015, failing to get on the scoresheet in what was a relatively brief turnout for a side that barely survived relegation.

What qualities would he bring to the Swans?

Presence, composure and leadership. In a relatively youthful Swansea side, his experience would be a valuable addition for new Graham Potter this season.

The Swede has a great ability to keep hold of possession under pressure, something that the midfielders have struggled with in early showings this season, especially against Birmingham City.

The Toulouse man is versatile also, with his hard-working nature off the ball allowing Potter to use his player either as a striker, or in a deeper role sitting just behind the front-line.

he also has the ability to provide a solid defensive contribution as well as providing an attacking threat.

The forward has a large presence also, towering above most players with a 6’3 frame, which would give the Swans a more direct outlet in attack.

This could give the likes of Oli McBurnie a chance to cause havoc in-behind any Championship defence this season, allowing the Swans the ability to adapt their style against any opponents that are difficult to break down.

It was also give the young Scot the opportunity for a much-needed break.

Finally, Toivonen has a great passing ability with a keen eye for the creative through-ball, that would provide the Swans with an even greater attacking threat going forward.

What’s the expert view on Toivonen?

We spoke to Kent Jonsson – a reporter with Swedish news site Sydsvenskan, to get the full insight on the FC Toulouse man.

“I do think Graham Potter can get the most out of Toivonen,” he said.

“The key factors, as always are, trust, confidence and playing time. Toivonen was an important player for Sweden in the World Cup and Graham Potter is aware of that.

“In my opinion Toivonen can do a little bit of everything. He can play as a striker up front or a second striker, or they could use him in a No. 10 role.

“If Potter needs to rest Bersant Celina, Toivonen may be lacking some speed, but he has pretty good vision and passing capability.

“He is not bad in the air and has a mean streak, which could be very useful in the Championship.”

Summary

Toivonen would help cover two areas for the Swans on his arrival, with his ability to play both up front and in the midfield a welcome addition for a club that is struggling for strength in depth this season.

Potter will be looking for an experienced player to help his side, with the Swede being significantly older than the typical profile the South Wales club have gone for in the transfer market this season.