​Swansea City are continuing their interest in Man City left-sided defender Stephen MfuniMfuni was blocked from joining the Swans last summer and spent the season on loan at WatfordDerby County are among the clubs expected to push for the 18-year-old once he is medically fitSwansea City are continuing their pursuit of Manchester City young defender Stephen Mfuni, with the Championship club persisting in their interest despite having been blocked from signing the teenager last summer, as per a new report.Mfuni is a left-sided centre-back and full-back who has been on Manchester City‘s books and is regarded as one of the more promising young defensive talents within the club’s development system, with his versatility across the back line making him an attractive proposition for Championship sides in the market for a loan addition at the position.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSwansea’s interest in Mfuni is not new – the Welsh club were previously denied the opportunity to sign him last summer, with Manchester City understood to have blocked the move amid concerns over the game time he would be guaranteed, a decision that proved well-founded given the limited involvement Ishé Samuels-Smith received from Chelsea when he was sent on loan to the Liberty Stadium in Mfuni’s place.Manchester City 2026/27 squad audit: Transfer latest on every playerIpswich Town also saw an approach for Mfuni blocked at the same juncture, suggesting Manchester City applied a consistent position across multiple suitors last summer rather than simply preferring a specific alternative destination for the teenager.Mfuni instead joined Watford on loan, where he earned considerable praise for his performances before suffering a serious injury at Stoke City in March – an incident that required immediate corrective surgery and from which he has not yet returned to full training, casting a shadow over what had been an encouraging first senior loan experience.According to Swansea Independent, Swansea City have maintained their interest in Mfuni and believe they have strong competition from a number of clubs, with Derby County described as particularly keen on securing the 18-year-old’s services on loan once he is medically cleared to move.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe expectation is that a Championship club will secure Mfuni on loan within the coming weeks, with the caveat that the move is contingent on his recovery from surgery progressing to the point where he is deemed fit for a transfer – a medical determination that will ultimately dictate the timeline of any deal.Swansea’s interest in Mfuni has been given added urgency by a separate injury concern within their own squad, with midfielder Gonçalo Franco understood to have suffered a significant lower leg problem – a development that has accelerated the Welsh club’s desire to identify and secure defensive and midfield cover before the season begins.The Swansea Independent notes that Mfun