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Swansea City are looking to finalise their search for Alan Sheehan’s successor, with former Liverpool coach Vítor Matos now emerging as a leading candidate.
The Swans spent several days last week trying to secure Hammarby boss Kim Hellberg, who travelled to London for talks with Swansea and other interested clubs.
However, earlier this week Middlesbrough moved ahead in the race for Hellberg, forcing Swansea to shift their focus toward alternative options.
Attention has now turned firmly to Matos, currently manager of Portuguese side CS Marítimo and previously part of Jurgen Klopp’s coaching staff at Liverpool.
He left the Reds in 2024 and later became assistant to Pep Lijnders during his brief tenure at Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, a spell that ended after just six months due to poor results.
Swansea are understood to hold strong interest in the 37-year-old, who is reportedly open to a return to the UK.
Marítimo are determined to retain their manager, but may be powerless to stop him from departing.
According to Record, Matos has a €1million release clause and Swansea are prepared to trigger it.
That stance is echoed in Wednesday’s edition of A Bola, which reports that Swansea have already held talks with Matos but have been informed that Maritimo will not negotiate under any circumstances.
The Portuguese club will only sanction his exit if his release clause is paid in full.
A Bola adds that Swansea are indeed willing to trigger the €1m clause and believe there is now a “very strong” chance of the move happening, although the deal is not yet complete.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo also reports that Maritimo have no intention of discussing a compromise and will only release Vitor Matos if Swansea meet the buyout clause.
Maritimo are currently third in the Portuguese second tier, while Swansea sit 18th in the Championship and travel to Bristol City this weekend.
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