Swansea to send Taylor plus cash for Villa's Jordan Ayew

Swansea City is close to signing Aston Villa forward Jordan Ayew, who's set to follow in the footsteps of brother Andre in playing for the Welsh side.

Manager Paul Clement told reporters Monday he expects to sign Ayew for a potential £5-million fee, according to the BBC, with 27-year-old defender and long-time Swansea player Neil Taylor heading to Villa.

"That is not done yet but it is close to being done. Ayew can play wide or through the middle and I like that versatility," said Clement. "Neil has been a great servant to this club but feel it is right time for new challenge and he would like to take it."

Ayew is currently on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he has helped Ghana reach Thursday's semi-final against Cameroon.

He would be Swansea's fourth signing of a successful January transfer window after the arrivals of Tom Carroll, Luciano Narsingh, and Martin Olsson.

Taylor, who has represented the Swans since 2010, was made expendable following Olsson's move from Norwich City. The Sweden international has already made a good account of himself at the left-back position, helping to set up a goal on his debut in a 3-2 win over Liverpool.

Clement said he and his staff were also interested in recruiting Benfica defender Lisandro Lopez, but "it went no further than that," he added.

"We have four centre-backs and I think at this point that they will be the four we have once the window is closed."