Swansea Target Stockdale

SWANSEA City have targeted England squad goalkeeper David Stockdale as the replacement for Dorus de Vries. Brendan Rodgers hopes to tie up a deal for the 25-year-old before his players return for pre-season training next week.Landing a first-choice keeper is Swansea's top priority after de Vries turned down the offer of a new deal at the Liberty in favour a move to Wolves.And Rodgers, who is also believed to have inquired about Tottenham's Carlo Cudicini, is hopeful he has found the right man in the highly-rated Stockdale.The 6ft 3in stopper made ten appearances for Fulham last season and won plaudits for his performances.He saved a Nani penalty in a 2-2 draw against Manchester United last August, and managed clean sheets in half the games he played last term.

Stockdale's impressive showings caught the attention of Fabio Capello. He was set to be named in the England squad early last season only to miss out through injury, but his first call-up eventually came for the friendly against Denmark in February.

He was also included in the party for England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in May but was absent for that game as he was getting married.

A former York City youngster, Stockdale's form at Darlington saw him move to Fulham in a £600,000 deal three years ago.

He has since had loan spells at Rotherham, Leicester and Plymouth, and new Fulham boss Martin Jol suggested last week that Stockdale will be sent out on loan again this season.

Swansea could sign him on a temporary basis, though it is understood Rodgers would ideally like to buy the Leeds-born player. The Swansea manager reckons Stockdale will suit his team as they take on the Premier League.

And he could be prepared to pay as much as £3 million to bring him to Wales.