Swansea captain Matt Grimes hopes that Everton target Joel Piroe will still be at the club when the season starts.

The 24-year-old, who is being linked with Everton, has been a key member of the Swans team over the past year.

The Wales-based club are pushing to earn promotion back to the Premier League this term.

“He's such a good player, such a good lad," Matt Grimes told BBC of a player who is being linked to Everton.

"I actually feel a bit sorry for him with the amount of speculation that surrounds him all the time. [The rumors are] warranted because he scores so many goals."

“If someone comes in and takes him from us, it has to be the perfect deal for him and the club. Similar to the way Flynn [Downes] left. There was no animosity at all.

"He's a fantastic footballer and a great guy. If he's here [beyond the window], absolutely brilliant. And if someone comes in, then that's footy."