Matos optimistic over Galbraith's Swansea future

Midfielder Ethan Galbraith has scored four goals in 44 Swansea appearances this season [Getty Images]

Swansea City head coach Vitor Matos is "optimistic" that Ethan Galbraith will agree a new contact with the Championship club.

The Championship club are in discussions with Northern Ireland midfielder Galbraith over a fresh deal on the back of his impressive first season in Wales.

Reports this week claimed Galbraith, 24, had turned down an initial offer from Swansea – but Matos says negotiations are ongoing.

"I think they are speaking," Matos said. "It's a normal situation – you make an offer, they make an offer, then somehow in the middle there will be something.

"He is under contract with the club, the club of course is always trying to have a stronger link with the players who are having a good season. That's what the club is trying [in this case]."

Galbraith has been sidelined by a calf injury since the March international break, but he has been one of Swansea's standout performers since his £1.5m move from Leyton Orient last summer.

• Latest Swansea City news, analysis and fan views
• Listen to the latest Swansea City interviews, news and discussion on BBC Sounds

The former Manchester United youngster has excelled in his favourite central midfield role, while also proving a more than adequate right-back in a number of games.

While Galbraith's performances are bound to have attracted the attention of rival clubs, Matos is hopeful that a player who is already under contract until 2028 – with the option of a further year – will remain at Swansea for the long-term.