Swansea City are struggling this season, sitting at the foot of the Premier League and new manager Paul Clement has admitted that changes must be made in order for Swansea to retain their Premier League status.

It was only three seasons ago that Swansea were competing in the Europa League; achieving a historic 3-0 victory over Valencia away from home, so where did it all go downhill?

Since Michael Laudrup’s sacking in 2014, Swansea City have appointed five manager’s, one of which is Alan Curtis in the caretaker role twice.

If Paul Clement is determined to not join the list of short-term managers at Swansea; he must strengthen his squad in order to do so.

The former Deby manager recently acquired the help of French legend Claude Makelele in the dugout, an appointment that turned a lot of heads.

Clement also has the backing of the new majority shareholders of Swansea City, Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan, along with Chairman Huw Jenkin; who all share the same desire to remain a Premier League club.

Shoot! looks at three areas Paul Clement must strengthen this transfer window…

Centre Back

Since the departure of Ashley Williams, Swansea have not found a replacement who leads from the back and organises the defensive line in the manner he did.

Watching Swansea City’s defence has been painful at times; the lack of composure and shape has led to very sloppy goals being conceded by the South Wales side.

Jordi Amat and Mike van der Hoorn are extremely slow to react to danger whilst Federico Fernandez has been unfortunate with injury.

Alfie Mawson has looked impressive in many of his performances; however he is inexperienced in the Premier League which has seen some errors being made from the young Englishman.

Clement must look to sign at least one, preferably two centre backs if he wishes to gain solidity and shape in his defence which has conceded the most goals in the Premier League so far.

Mamadou Sakho and Andrea Ranocchia have been linked with a move to South Wales; both possess key attributes that could help Swansea’s survival bid.

Most City fans believe this is the most important area for Clement to strengthen and he must act quick as the upcoming fixtures for Swansea do not look any easier.

Full Backs

Swansea also need to gain reinforcements for both the left and right side of the centre backs.

Swansea are close to closing the deal for Marcus Olsson from Norwich, a good signing to compete for the position with the under-performing Neil Taylor.

Swansea’s other left back option, Stephen Kingsley, has been rather inconsistent. He is a raw talent who will be a great asset in the future for the club; however he has looked out his depth at times this season when coming up against tricky wingers.

Swansea’s right back options have also been inconsistent this season. Angel Rangel has been a great servant for the club; however his many years of top flight football is starting to takes its toll. He can show glimpses of his experience with some great tackling and leadership, but has also been caught sleeping at times and makes a lot of clumsy mistakes.

Kyle Naughton seems to be far too soft to keep wingers quiet. He often stands off players, giving them too much time which causes plenty of problems for his side.