By Chris O'Brien
January 29 2004

United's Alan Tate is currently in talks with Third Division outfit Swansea City regarding a permanent move to the Vetch Field. The defender has enjoyed two loan spells with the Swans, and with first-team football highly unlikely at Old Trafford, Tate looks set to sign for the West Wales club.

Manchester United defender Alan Tate looks set to complete a permanent move to Swansea City after enjoying two successful loan spells with the Third Division outfit.

The centre-half is currently back at Old Trafford and took part in a recent reserve clash against Everton, but a permanent move to the Vetch Field now looks likely with the offer of first-team football as a Manchester United player in the future unlikely.

Swansea City boss Brian Flynn is hoping to complete the signing of 21-year-old Tate in the next day or so, with talks currently progressing well between the player and the West Wales club.

Tate would be a good acquisition for Swansea, with a series of impressive displays during his two loan spells, and would be joining a team who are looking for promotion to the Second Division this season, and who are currently enjoying a FA Cup run with a fifth round tie against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park next up