The proposals include new rules on how vaping products are packaged, named and displayed in shops.

Figures shared by the Welsh Government show that more than a quarter of 11 to 16-year-olds in Wales have tried vaping.

Almost 7% are vaping every week.

Among 16-year-olds, more than 45% have tried a vape, while weekly use stands at 16%.

The plans being consulted on would require vaping and nicotine product packaging to be plain white.

This would mean colourful branding, cartoon-style designs and eye-catching images would be banned.

Flavour names would also be restricted to simple, recognised terms such as “apple”.

Names such as “Cosmic Fog” or “Cotton Candy” would no longer be allowed.

The consultation also proposes stopping shops from openly displaying vaping products.

Instead, vapes and nicotine products would have to be kept behind the counter, similar to the way tobacco products are currently handled.

Price lists would still be allowed and could include details such as nicotine strength and ingredients, helping adult users make informed choices.

The aim of the proposals is to reduce youth vaping while still allowing adults to use vaping products as a way to stop smoking.

All four UK nations are consulting together on the new rules.

People are being invited to share their views before the consultation closes on October 2.

Deputy minister for public and preventative health Nerys Evans said the rise in children and young people trying and regularly using vapes in Wales is a serious concern.

She said some products are being deliberately designed and marketed to appeal to children through bright colours, cartoon branding and sweet-sounding flavour names.

She said the proposals would remove the gimmicks that make vaping attractive to young people.

Chief medical officer for Wales Isabel Oliver said the main health risk to children and young people from vaping and nicotine products is addiction.

She said the proposals could help prevent future generations from becoming addicted to nicotine products, protecting their health and wellbeing.

For more health, parenting and Wales news updates, follow Pulse Media.

The country is experiencing its third heatwave of the year this week, with temperatures once again forecast to rise above 30C.

It comes just weeks after Wales recorded new temperature highs during the exceptional heatwave at the end of June.

Bute Park in Cardiff reached 35.9C, making it Wales’ hottest ever June day.

That heatwave caused major disruption across the country, with the Met Office issuing a red warning for extreme heat.

Hundreds of schools were closed and rail services were also cancelled.

Emergency services in Wales said they saw a sharp rise in demand during the prolonged period of hot weather.

The Welsh Ambulance Service received more than 400 extra emergency calls each day during June’s heatwave.

The service is now reminding people to only call 999 in a genuine life-threatening emergency.

Anyone who is unwell or has a minor injury is being advised to use the NHS 111 Wales website or the NHS Wales digital assistant, Albot, to find the right care.

Darren Panniers, head of service at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said warmer weather can increase demand and contribute to incidents such as falls caused by dehydration, dizziness, low blood pressure, tiredness and reduced mobility.

He urged people to watch for signs of dehydration, including confusion, unusual behaviour, weakness, extreme tiredness, headaches and reduced appetite.

He said early action can make a big difference, with simple steps such as offering cold drinks, ice lollies and foods with high water content helping to prevent dehydration.

Emergency services have also warned about the dangers of open water during hot weather.

During a heatwave in May, there were 10 water-related deaths across the UK, including one in Wales.

Public Health Wales has previously warned people about the risk of cold water shock when entering rivers, lakes or other bodies of water to cool down.

Water temperatures can remain much colder than the air, even during hot weather.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service station manager Gavin Murphy said people should enjoy the warm weather safely but take care around open water.

He warned that rivers, lakes, reservoirs, quarries and canals can look calm but may be cold, deep and unpredictable.

He said cold water can quickly affect breathing and swimming ability.

People are being urged to use supervised swimming locations where possible, never jump into open water, avoid alcohol around water, and call 999 immediately if they see someone in difficulty.

For more Wales weather and safety updates, follow Pulse Media.

A major operation targeting illegal e-bikes and anti-social riding in Cardiff has led to arrests, drug seizures and dozens of vehicles being taken off the streets.

South Wales Police officers worked alongside Cardiff Council staff on Friday as part of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.

The operation was supported by a National Police Air Service aircraft, which was seen circling areas including Ely, Gabalfa and Rumney for several hours on Friday evening.

Residents had raised concerns in recent weeks about illegal e-bikes and anti-social behaviour across parts of Cardiff, including on the Taff Trail.

South Wales Police later confirmed that 68 illegal mechanically propelled vehicles, including e-bikes and e-scooters, had been seized and destroyed.

Officers also seized 17 illegal e-bikes from Cardiff’s parks, green spaces and trails, including several from the Taff Trail.

One e-bike was seized from a rider on Castle Street and was found to be capable of reaching speeds of up to 86km/h.

Police said the aircraft was used to track some riders and also helped officers identify suspected drug dealing.

A man in his 20s from Cardiff was stopped on a Sur-Ron at Lydstep Park in Gabalfa. Following a search, officers found two mobile phones and 33 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, estimated to be worth around £1,000.

He appeared in court on Saturday and was convicted of two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and one count of possession of a Class B drug. He is due to be sentenced next month.

An 18-year-old man was also detained in Ely after being spotted by the police aircraft allegedly riding an illegal e-bike.

The bike was confirmed to be illegal and was seized. The man was later arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and driving without a licence or insurance. He has been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Police also arrested two 16-year-old boys in Ely after one was allegedly seen riding an electric motorcycle and suspected of distributing drugs.

Both teenagers were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs. One was also arrested on three counts of assaulting emergency workers. Around 35g of cannabis was recovered.

In Cathays, a 21-year-old man from Splott was stopped after an officer saw him meeting a man on a Sur-Ron before entering an alleyway. He was searched and arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B drug.

Inspector Tim Ursell, from South Wales Police, said the operation formed part of Op Livewire and followed concerns from local communities about anti-social behaviour involving illegal bikes and scooters.

He said teams in plain clothes and uniform were deployed to hotspot areas including the Taff Trail, Gabalfa, Cathays, Cardiff city centre, Canton and Grangetown.

Councillor Ed Stubbs, Cardiff Council’s cabinet member for frontline services, said illegal e-bikes and e-scooters are causing significant problems across the city.

He said residents had made it clear they do not feel safe when illegal bikes are being ridden at high speeds in their communities.

Councillor Stubbs added that many riders do not have licences or insurance, creating a danger for other road users.

He said Cardiff Council will continue working with South Wales Police to target areas where illegal bikes are being used and remove them from the streets.

Since operations began in August 2025, Cardiff Council said 800 illegally modified e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road bikes have been removed from Cardiff’s streets and green spaces.

For more Cardiff crime and community updates, follow Pulse Media.

Balogun had been expected to miss the match in Seattle after being shown a red card during the USA’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The striker was dismissed for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic and was due to serve an automatic one-match suspension.

However, FIFA has made the controversial decision to suspend the ban for a one-year probationary period, meaning Balogun is now available to play against Belgium.

The decision has caused anger within European football, with Belgium formally appealing to FIFA after its lawyers examined whether the governing body had the power to take such action.

Belgium are said to be considering all options, including possible legal action, depending on the outcome of the appeal.

UEFA has now released a strongly worded statement, saying FIFA’s decision “crossed a red line”.

The governing body said football depends on clear rules to ensure fair and transparent competition.

UEFA argued that an automatic one-match suspension following a red card is not optional and should not be changed during a tournament.

It also warned that the decision could create a major precedent, as other players in the same position have already served their suspensions during the competition.

UEFA said that when rules are no longer applied consistently, the integrity and credibility of the game are put at risk.

The Belgian FA also said it was astonished by FIFA’s decision.

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia criticised the ruling, saying his side was defending football and its ethics.

There have also been reports suggesting the decision may have been influenced by United States president Donald Trump.

Trump later posted on Truth Social thanking FIFA and describing the decision as the reversal of a “great injustice”.

The row has added further tension ahead of the USA’s World Cup clash with Belgium, with the decision now threatening to overshadow the match itself.

For more World Cup and football updates, follow Pulse Media.

The decision has left a number of firms facing uncertainty after being told the contracts would not now go ahead as previously expected.

Last month, bidders were informed that Cardiff-based communications agency Golley Slater had again been selected as the Welsh Government’s sole media buying supplier for another four years.

That contract was due to run from the start of July until the end of June 2030 and had a value of £38.4 million including VAT. However, the company would only have received a percentage of the money spent on advertising and campaigns placed with media organisations.

A second contract, covering integrated marketing campaigns and PR services, has also not been signed off. That framework had a value of £60 million including VAT.

The firms previously notified as being on the framework included Cowshed Communications, Energy Saving Trust Enterprises, Equinox Public Relations, Freshwater, Golley Slater Group, Jam Jam PR, reTHINK PR and Marketing, SBW Advertising, Four Agency Worldwide and the Folk Group.

Companies were told by the Welsh Government that the decision had been taken after considering the overall procurement position and the public interest.

It is understood the move followed legal advice after challenges were made by a number of unsuccessful bidders.

One executive from a firm on the marketing and PR framework described the handling of the process as a “shambles”.

They said their business had spent a significant amount of time and effort preparing its bid, only to be told the contract had been pulled without a detailed explanation of what would happen next.

They added that the new Welsh Government administration should review the way procurement is handled, especially given previous promises to support Welsh SMEs through public sector contracts.

Another executive warned the decision could affect recruitment and investment plans for businesses that had been expecting work from the framework over the next four years.

They said some firms may have budgeted for extra income and could now be forced to rethink their plans.

The executive also warned that the decision could affect business valuations and the ability of some firms to raise money for growth, particularly where companies rely heavily on Welsh Government contracts.

Firms were originally given around four weeks to submit bids for the marketing and PR contract towards the end of last December.

They were initially told a decision would be made in March, but that was later pushed back to June.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said the procurement process had been reviewed during the standstill period and the previous award decision had now been withdrawn.

The spokesperson said the decision had been taken in the public interest and that the Government recognised the investment made by suppliers during the competition.

They added that officials would continue to engage with bidders and were now considering future options for the services.

Any future procurement activity, they said, would be carried out in line with the Procurement Act 2023.

The Welsh Government did not comment when asked whether the decision followed challenges relating to scoring.

It has also not confirmed whether it plans to re-tender the two contracts using the same framework model or whether future projects will be put out individually through the Sell2Wales procurement platform.

Under procurement rules, some services below £25,000 can be awarded without a competitive tender. However, many of the projects expected under these contracts would likely have been worth more than that amount.

Challenges to Welsh Government procurement decisions have happened before.

During the previous four-year marketing and PR contract, ten suppliers were initially named. Following challenges, two additional firms that had not originally made the list were later added.

The Welsh Government could choose to take a similar approach again, although no decision has been confirmed.

If more suppliers are added to the marketing and PR framework, the firms already named could see expected income reduced. If other suppliers were added to the media buying contract, Golley Slater could also face lower projected revenues.

For more Welsh business and political news, follow Pulse Media.

The man and woman visited El Puerto at The Old Custom House in Penarth at around 8pm on June 29.

CCTV reportedly showed the pair arriving in a car and parking in the restaurant’s private car park before going inside for food and drinks.

The restaurant team later shared details of the unpaid bill, which came to £115.60. According to the receipt, the order included an all-day set menu costing £32, a Dover sole meal costing £52.10, calamari for £9.50, and eight Coca-Colas totalling £22.

Business owner Tanny Martinez said the incident was “hugely disappointing” for the whole team, especially at a time when hospitality businesses are already facing rising costs and financial pressure.

He said situations like this do not only cause a financial loss, but also affect staff morale and wellbeing.

Mr Martinez said a great deal of hard work goes into giving customers a good experience, and it is frustrating when that effort is not respected.

He added that the restaurant was proud to have been part of the Penarth community for more than 20 years and thanked customers and local people for their support following the incident.

A spokesperson for the restaurant’s marketing team claimed the pair left quickly when they believed staff were not watching.

They said it had appeared to be a normal dining experience until the customers allegedly waited for staff to turn their backs before leaving without paying.

The matter is understood to remain unresolved.

For more local news and community updates, follow Pulse Media.

Temperatures could climb as high as 38C in some parts of the country, with amber and red weather warnings in place until Thursday, June 25. The red warning for extreme heat is due to begin on Wednesday morning, June 24, and remain in force until Thursday evening.

A red weather warning means conditions could become dangerous, with possible damage to property and a risk to life. People are normally advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

The areas covered by the red warning include Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Because of the warning, Tennis Wales in the Park, which manages a number of tennis courts in Cardiff, Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan, has confirmed that its sites will close later this week.

In a message sent to members, the organisation said: “Due to the red weather warning in place on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June, we have made the decision to close all Tennis Wales in the Park sites on health and safety grounds.

“All pay and play bookings during this period will be fully refunded.

“As well as health and safety concerns, court surfaces that are still early in their lifespan can also be affected by long periods of high temperatures. Some materials used on the courts may soften in sustained heat, which could lead to damage.”

A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for north and northwest Wales, covering Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd and Anglesey. The warning runs from 6pm on Saturday until 12pm on Easter Sunday.

Forecasters say widespread gusts of 50–60mph are expected, with 60–70mph possible in exposed coastal and upland areas. There is also a small chance of 80–90mph gusts in the most exposed locations.

The strongest winds are expected to develop on Saturday evening, continuing overnight before easing gradually through Sunday morning.

Travel disruption likely

The Met Office says Storm Dave could cause:

- Delays to road, rail, air and ferry travel  

- Possible closures of bridges and exposed routes  

- A small chance of power cuts affecting homes and mobile networks  

- Minor structural damage, such as tiles blown from roofs  

- Large waves along coastal areas, with a slight risk of injury from flying debris  

Although the official warning focuses on the northwest, weather maps suggest strong winds will affect much of Wales on Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Heavy snow and blizzard conditions in Scotland

Deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree said Storm Dave will rapidly deepen as it approaches the UK:

“By Saturday afternoon winds will strengthen significantly, with gusts of 60–70mph across parts of Scotland and the potential for 80–90mph in exposed coastal locations. Heavy snowfall over the hills in northern Scotland could bring 10–20cm of snow and blizzard conditions.”

He added that heavy rain is expected elsewhere as the system moves eastwards.

Met Office advice

People are urged to:

- Secure loose outdoor items  

- Check travel plans in advance  

- Prepare for possible short‑term power outages  

- Stay updated as warnings may be revised  

For more news visit Pulse Media.

So, what now? Does the removal of Collier-Keywood mean the WRU will ditch its attempt to cut one of Wales' four professional teams? Will it lead to other prominent WRU board members stepping down? Will the upcoming EGM even go ahead?

And are the Ospreys now safe after last week's announcement that the redevelopment of St Helen's is happening?

Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas answers the key questions. You can read the inside story of Collier-Keywood's ousting here.

Are the WRU still planning to go down to three teams?  

As it stands yes.

The WRU board voted unanimously in favour of reducing the number of professional clubs from four to three, while CEO Abi Tierney has firmly nailed her colours to that mast.

The union says there is simply not enough money to make the necessary investment into the pathway and retain four competitive teams, although high-profile figures from outside the WRU believe they could find the money by making cuts elsewhere.

But Pulse Media understands the WRU is already circa £7m away from its financial projections for this financial year.

However, a new independent chair could bring a different viewpoint and may want to go down a different road than the original plan.

If that is the case it will be down to the new chair to persuade the board of directors to change course and vote again. Bear in mind it is the WRU board who will appoint the new chair in the first place.

It is also worth noting that the WRU going down to three sides is heavily dependent on the URC finding a replacement, meaning Wales will have four professional clubs for at least one more season, if not two, as things stand.

Are the Ospreys now safe?  

No, but they are in a far stronger position than they were not so long ago.

A couple of weeks ago Swansea Council released minutes of a meeting between its leader Rob Stewart, WRU CEO Abi Tierney and Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley clearly indicating that if Y11 bought Cardiff, the Ospreys would cease to exist as a professional men's rugby club.

According to those minutes, Ospreys CEO Bradley said the club had been "losing £2.5m a year" and this position was worsening with increased costs and reduced income.

"As such it did not have a sustainable future and there was no route to it breaking even," read the minutes.

But since then Swansea Council has announced the redevelopment of St Helen's will go ahead as planned, but unlike the original plan the bulk of the investment will come from the Ospreys.

It's clearly a complicated picture at the region. The narrative has been one of a club fighting for survival against an outside force, but it is the club's own owners who sparked this uncertainty by bidding for Cardiff and remaining silent on their plans since.

It seems really noteworthy then that former Ospreys chair Rob Davies has publicly returned to the fold somewhat in recent weeks and appears to be very committed to securing the region's future, which will reassure supporters, amid the silence from Y11.

The fact they now have their own ground would strengthen the Ospreys' position if the west licence went out to tender.

With only one licence in the west under the current plan it pits the Ospreys against the Scarlets, and that battle will likely be decided by which funding directors have the deepest pockets and are most committed.

EGM  

The EGM is still scheduled for 6pm on Monday, April 13, at the Principality Stadium, with the headline motion a vote of no-confidence in Collier-Keywood as a WRU director.

Given Collier-Keywood will be leaving the union in July it has taken some of the sting out of the EGM, for sure.

Pulse Media understands the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union is meeting on Wednesday to discuss whether the EGM should go ahead or not.

While no final decision has been made there is a reasonable chance it will not go ahead.

But if the WRU board does not deviate from its plans, there is nothing stopping an EGM getting called at a later date.

However, Collier-Keywood remains in place for the next three months currently, while one of the motions put forward was to remove the council members on the main WRU board and call an election within 14 days. There may still be a desire to do that and so the EGM could carry on. A change in wider personnel on the board could shake things up if more new faces with a fresh perspective are drafted in before the summer.

Who will be the next WRU chair?  

Collier-Keywood remains in position until July so the WRU board do have some time on its side, but they will want to start the recruitment process as quickly as possible.

The chair is no longer elected by the member clubs, and Collier-Keywood was the first to be appointed by the board itself.

The WRU board will set up a Nominations Committee to select the candidates. You can see the list of main options here.

It would not be a shock if Collier-Keywood's replacement was already on the board with the likes of Alison Thorne, Jennifer Mathias and Andrew Williams credible candidates should they wish to take it on.

Outside of the current board there is support for former First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones, Dragons co-owner David Buttress, Hayley Parsons and Aviva CEO Amanda Blanc, while new names will undoubtedly emerge over the next few months.

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The rapper was taking in his first game at Swansea City since taking a minority stake in the club in the summer, and did his bit to try and gee the crowd up before kick-off.

After making an eye-catching entrance earlier in the day, Snoop was introduced to the Jack Army, who were each handed a souvenir Snoop Dogg-themed towel, which they were invited to twirl above their heads before the clash with Preston North End.

The supporters duly obliged, creating a sea of white as Snoop Dogg emerged, flanked by some suitably over-the-top pyrotechnics.

Snoop then took a lap of the pitch in the middle of his massive entourage, occasionally stopping to sign autographs for fans in the stands as he made his way around.

He was treated to renditions of 'Hymns and Arias', and the obligatory chorus of 'You Jack *******', and 'Snoop Dogg's Barmy Army' from the fans, who were clearly relishing the occasion as much as he was.

At one stage, substitute goalkeeper Andy Fisher even had to pause his warm-up to allow the massive group to make its way around the pitch.

It very much felt like organised chaos, with Snoop later posing for pictures with mascot Cyril the Swan in front of the small contingent of away fans.

He even seemed to cup his ear in the direction of the away end before making his way back down the pitch and down the tunnel.

The smile on his face suggested he was in his element, and he held up his white towel to the crowd as a final flourish for the fans, on a night they are unlikely to ever forget.

A brainless handball from Ben Cabango allowed former Swan Oli McBurnie to give the host the lead, before Zan Vipotnik spurned two glorious chances to level.

Regan Slater's strike doubled the lead before half-time, but Swansea improved after the break and pulled one back through Liam Cullen's header.

But they couldn't find a second goal to restore parity, leaving Vitor Matos once again empty-handed.

This was Swansea's seventh defeat in eight outings on the road, and their form away from the Swansea.com Stadium remains a grave concern.

The fact Swansea created more than enough to take something from this game will likely be of scant consolation.

They now sit 16th in the Championship table ahead of another journey to Watford next week.

A largely forgettable opening 20 minutes yielded little excitement for either side, but this contest would leap into life courtesy of a proverbial brain fart from Wales international Cabango, who inexplicably held out his hand as a Hull freekick was delivered into the box.

McBurnie duly rolled home the resulting spot kick, in a moment that largely set the tone for Swansea's afternoon.

The hosts could have doubled their lead through another former Swan just moments later, with Lawrence Vigouroux getting down well to deny Kyle Joseph after he'd got in behind a creaky visiting backline.

But Swansea grew into the contest, and on half an hour were left wondering how they weren't level.

Josh Tymon's low ball across the box was inch perfect for Zan Vipotnik, who even without his recent goalscoring exlploits would have surely been expected to bury the resulting chance.

Somehow, from around six yards, and unmarked, he managed to turn his shot wide.

The Slovenian's second miss was arguably a harder chance, but the sight of his poked effort going just wide from a similar close range again after a brilliant Tymon cross, would have been no less gut-wrenching.

If there was anyone left in any doubt that this wasn't going to be Swansea's afternoon, Hull then, almost inevitably, added a second as Slater fired a rocket from the edge of the area into the top corner.

Virgouroux had to be alert to deny Joe Gelhardt, before then producing a fine save to tip Liam Millar's curling effort behind on the stroke of half-time.

Swansea, to their credit, improved after the break.

Substitute Josh Key's angled effort was parried away by goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, who produced a brilliant fingertip save to keep Cullen's header out just before the hour.

Cullen, one of two changes from the win over Blackburn Rovers, wasn't to be denied, however.

A superb near-post corner from Tymon found the head of the Wales international, who flicked home for his third goal of the season.

It was no less than Swansea deserved, and given their newfound dominance, a sensational comeback now seemed perfectly plausible.

John Egan nearly nipped things in the bud soon after Cullen's strike, but could only divert his diving header wide.

Matos threw on three subs, including new signing Gustavo Nunes, but it was Marko Stamenic that nearly made an impact; stinging the palms of Pandur with a rasping effort from distance.

Vigouroux had work to do too. Indeed, he would produce a sensational double-save to keep out Yu Hirakawa and then Joseph in quick succession 15 minutes from time.

Swansea continued to push for a leveller, with Melker Widell forcing a smart save late on, but they ultimately could not find a crucial second on what turned out to be another frustrating day on the road.

Hull City: Pandur; Coyle, Hughes, Egan, Famewo; Hadziahmetovic (Jacob 72), Slater; Joseph (Dowell 88), Gelhardt (Lundstrom 57), Millar (Hirakawa 57); McBurnie (Akintola 72)

Subs: Phillips, Crooks, McCarthy, Ndala

Swansea City: Vigouroux: Galbraith (Key 46), Cabango, Burgess, Tymon; Fulton (Yalcouye 80), Franco (Stamenic 65); Ronald (Nunes 65), Cullen, Eom (Widell 65), Vipotnik

Subs: Fisher, Wales, Ward, Cooper

The 21-year-old has generated a huge amount of interest this month, having returned from a reasonably successful spell at Norwegian side Molde, where he scored eight goals in 23 matches.

Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End are both keen admirers, but Swansea could potentially steal a march on their rivals by launching a bid.

Abdullai's contract with the Swedish side runs until 2028, but it seems there's growing uncertainty over his future at the club.

It's claimed Swansea are impressed by the player's physicality and ability to run in behind defences.

Swans insiders haven played down suggestions the forward is a serious target in this window, and have neither confirmed nor denied that a bid could soon be on the table.

But a striker is believed to be on City's wishlist this winter given the long-term injury to summer signing Adam Idah.

Liam Cullen is another potential forward option for Vitor Matos, who has also played Melker Widell in the nine role in recent weeks.

Youngster Bobby Wales is also on the books, but while highly rated, the feeling at the moment is he's not quite ready to regularly lead the line in the Championship.

Crucially, Abdullai can also play out wide, which is another area Swans are keen on strengthening before the window closes.

The club had initially made Jesurun Rak-Sakyi their top transfer target this month, but their pursuit of the Crystal Palace winger looks to have stalled.

Charlotte FC's Liel Abada is another option to have been looked at recent weeks, but there's no indication the Swans have firmed up any interest at this stage.

Meanwhile, Swans sources have poured cold water on links with Sheffield Wednesday forward Bailey Cadamarteri.

Reports from south Yorkshire had claimed the Swans were among a clutch of clubs interested in his signature.

However, he's not believed to be a top target at this moment in time.

Vipotnik loving life at 'special' Swansea

Zan Vipotnik has hailed Swansea City a 'special' place to play, after firing his way to the top of the Championship's goalscoring charts.

The Slovenian took his league tally to 13 with a brace in the win over Blackburn Rovers, and his goalscoring streak is unlikely to go unnoticed this month.

The 23-year-old has been monitored by a host of clubs in recent weeks, including West Ham United, although there's not yet been any formal approach for the striker.

Sources have also previously indicated an exit this month is looking unlikely.

Nevertheless, Swans boss Vitor Matos admitted Vipotnik's exploits are likely to attract attention from elsewhere, but insisted the forward was focusing on scoring goals rather than events in the market.

And Vipotnik himself says he's very much enjoying himself in SA1.

"I was pleased to score again, last season was a bad season for me, I wasn't myself but I have improved from last year and I hope I can continue to improve," he told the club's official website.

"The fans have been great to me and the team, we can feel their support and the atmosphere from the first minute.

"It is special to play here, it is like we are playing with an extra player on the pitch. We enjoy playing here, and I think you can see that on the pitch.

"We need to find some consistency because our first halves have been strong and some of the second halves there has been a drop off. We need to improve on this but we are happy to have got another win in front of the fans."

Santos speaking to other clubs

Meanwhile, Matos says Ricardo Santos is speaking to other clubs, with a Swansea exit remaining likely this month.

The defender has made just one appearance for the Swans since arriving on a free transfer in the summer, and had initially looked set to join Reading.

A move to the Royals appears to have stalled, but the 30-year-old still looks likely to leave this month, with Matos confirming that other sides are in the frame.

"Ricardo is still speaking with clubs," he said. "We are still speaking as well to find, like I said, the best solution for everyone.

"Of course it's a possibility to leave, that is clear, but at the moment that's it.

When pressed on whether a move to Reading had indeed fallen through, he added: "There's more than Reading, I think, on the table for him,

"So let's see how we end up in the window. Let's see what he wants in terms of his expectations."

Galbraith to be assessed

Finally, Matos says Ethan Galbraith will be assessed ahead of the trip to Hull City on Saturday.

The Northern Irishman was taken off with what looked like an injury during the 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night, sparking concern ahead of the trip to Humberside.

Galbraith has been been involved in every league game this season, starting all but two matches for the Swans, and has emerged as a key player following his arrival from Leyton Orient in the summer.

"He had a knock against Birmingham and on the same spot he started to feel uncomfortable. 

"We didn't want to risk it, so that's what happened - just a precaution."

The 36-year-old has penned a short-term deal until the end of the season with the Swans, becoming the club's first signing of the Vitor Matos era.

It's also Ward's first move since leaving Crystal Palace in the summer, where he brought the curtain down on a 13-year stint at Selhurst Park by lifting the FA Cup at Wembley in May.

Incidentally, he could well make his Swans debut in the same competition this weekend, with the veteran likely to be involved in Swansea's third-round clash with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

"I feel good," Ward, who has previously been training with Palace to keep up his fitness, said when quizzed on his condition.

"Obviously you can't ever replace games but I've been fortunate enough that the clubs I've been involved with have welcomed me to train and I've been able to tick over and be involved.

"So I haven't necessarily stopped at all. I've been continuing the whole time. So I feel good. I feel in a good place."

Other offers were on the table over the last few months, but after speaking to some former team-mates, Ward says it became clear that this was the correct next step in his career.

"There were a few conversations over the festive period and then it was a case of whether I could come down and do some testing," he said when quizzed on how the move came about.

"Before I knew it, the wheels were in motion and I was down here and signing.

"I spoke to Marc Guehi and Wayne Routledge and other players as well who had been here and been involved.

"There's some of the lads here on the coaching staff who I've played against many times like Leon Britton and obviously Joe Allen.

"It's an exciting time, I'm looking forward to it. No one I've spoken to can speak highly enough of it. The likes of Jordan Ayew as well, I was speaking to him last night.

"Everyone just said I'd love it. That it was a great club and a great place to be. I can see that from day one. It's a really well run club and it's an opportunity to really kick on and hopefully have a strong second half of the season."

Conversations with Matos left a similarly good impression on the right-back, who is looking forward to working under the Portuguese coach under the next few months.

"I think the messaging is very clear from the gaffer," he said. "The structuring of the team and how he wants us to play.

"He's very clear in his vision for the club and where he wants to take it.

"I'm looking forward to working with him and learning a different way. Every manager you play under over your career there's an opportunity to learn, to dive in and really lean in to what they have learned in their journey as well.

"I want to develop as a player and I think this is an opportunity to learn and be part of something special with this group.

"For me, when this did arise, there was no doubt in my mind. I wanted to be a part of this."

Ward shows little sign of wanting to hang up his boots any time soon, and hasn't ruled out the possibility of staying on beyond his current short-term deal should things well for him in south Wales.

"I feel good," he added. "My body feels good. I've been fortunate throughout my career not sustain any kind of long or overly serious injuries.

"So while I'm able, I want to be involved.

"But I think for me now, the most important thing is being involved in a squad and helping them to achieve and bring out the best in everyone involved.

"Then, what will happen will happen. Beyond the end of the season, only the big man knows what's going to happen upstairs."

Standing in his way will be the club that gave the Chelsea legend his very first step in the world of professional football, albeit the Swansea City of now is very different to the one he remembers with an obvious degree of fondness.

Back in 1995, the then fresh-faced teenage Lampard had already emerged as one of the most exciting prospects at West Ham United, but found himself in the comparatively alien surroundings of south Wales, where he would link up with a Swans side battling at the wrong end of what was then Division Three.

"I went to Swansea at 17," he said ahead of the meeting between the two sides on Friday. "I had a couple of months there. It was very good, and it was very much a part of my early story in terms of developing as a player and it taught me a lot of things about first-team football and the rigours of it and it was great for me.

"There were a lot of experienced pros and that showed me the way in terms of what real football is.

"But it was tough. We were fighting at the bottom end of what's now League Two.

"It was a tense moment at the old Vetch Stadium, and I think they had about two or three thousand fans in certain games. It wasn't the Swansea that we see now.

"The club was in a difficult moment, but I certainly felt the passion of Swansea and the football club, and what it wanted to be again."

Lampard had only recently passed his driving test before joining the Swans, and admits he often divided much of his time between SA1 and home back in Essex, but did still get to know a few of the more senior heads in the dressing room.

"The drive from Essex to Swansea was about four hours or so," he added. "That was new for me, driving myself there.

"I stayed there predominantly but I was back and forth a lot. I wanted to get back to see my family when I could, get a day off etc. I realised I was going far from home, getting exposed to that. I actually stayed in a hotel in Swansea.

"I was rooming with an older player called Robbie Dennison. He was on loan from Wolves at the same time. He was at the back end of his career, I was at the start of my career.

"We roomed together, so obviously rooming with someone with so much experience as a young kid it was a strange dynamic.

"But he was very, very good about it, and very helpful to me."

Lampard freely admits the rustic surroundings of the Vetch and indeed the facilities was something of a culture shock, as was the more physical and direct brand of football that awaited him in the lower leagues at the time.

However, he believes the short experience with the Swans left him well grounded to kick on and later claim three Premier League titles and a Champions League medal with Chelsa.

"I do remember the position of the club, going from West Ham, which was a Premier League club and going to a club that was financially stricken really at the time," he added.

"We trained at the stadium a lot and facilities at the training ground were very different. You had to take your own kit, wash your own kit, come back, walk across this park, it was raining all the time. Facilities weren't great.

"But looking back, it was a really good thing for me because it made me aware of different situations. I wouldn't say we were pampered at West Ham but we had good enough facilities and it was very different.

"I just learned a lot about those things, about real football, physical football. I spent a lot of time watching the ball go over my head, trying to get used to the physical nature of the game.

"They were all good things, looking back.

"I was very well looked after. I was taken in by the club and in the city.

"It was a great experience for me."

That warmth for the Swans clearly still endures, and he's expecting a tough contest when Vitor Matos' new-look side comes to town.

"I always have a little look out for them since those days," he said. "I think it's a good club and obviously they've had a change of manager recently.

"But they always try and play football in these modern years, in the last 10 or so years, they always try to play in the right way. It's a good football club and it will be a tough match."