Can Swansea secure Rushworth return?

Carl Rushworth enjoyed a successful season-long loan at Swansea City this season, and his performances in goal were one of the bright spots in a bumpy campaign.

The 22-year-old was named players' player and supporters' player of the year, keeping 10 clean sheets in 46 appearances.

But he has now returned to parent club Brighton & Hove Albion - leaving a big hole to fill.

Swansea head coach Luke Williams doubts he will be able to secure Rushworth's services again because of the goalkeeper's Premier League potential.

But such is the Seagulls' strength-in-depth between the sticks that Rushworth could again be on his travels next season, having freely admitted he enjoyed his time at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Brighton's first-team keepers this year under boss Roberto De Zerbi have been Bart Verbruggen, Jason Steele and Tom McGill.

Steele has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal, which would free up one space in the senior squad, but Rushworth is not the only young keeper to have impressed on loan.

James Beadle, 19, won countless admirers during his spells at first Oxford United and then Sheffield Wednesday, with the Owls also keen for the return of their young Brighton loanee.

Dutch stopper Kjell Scherpen also impressed on loan for Sturm Graz in Austria before a knee ligament injury ended his season in December. The 24-year-old signed a new Brighton deal that month that runs until 2027 and is still clearly in De Zerbi's plans.

Repeat loan hopes of clubs eager to again bag a Brighton keeper for next season could rest on pre-season - and whether Steele stays or goes.

Verbruggen, with the Netherlands, and Canada's McGill are expected to miss the start of pre-season due to international commitments, opening up the door for Rushworth and Beadle to stake their claims.

“Beadle and Rushworth are both very good goalkeepers," De Zerbi has said.

“Maybe in pre-season we start with both because Bart will play in Europe and Tom the Copa America with Canada.

“I will have much time to analyse both (Rushworth and Beadle).”

Swans and Owls fans may find themselves keeping tabs on Brighton's pre-season form as much as any Seagulls follower, but with very different perspectives.

The hope will remain that once more, six do not go into three as De Zerbi finalises his squad numbers for the new campaign.

Even then, being made available for a loan will be just the first stage, with other clubs sure to cast covetous glances at Beadle and Rushworth in particular - Premier League new boys Ipswich Town just one name to be linked already with the Swansea favourite.