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Head coach Luke Williams says Swansea City may need "an even tighter strategy" when it comes to transfer plans after admitting recruitment this summer has been more challenging than expected.

Swansea have made four signings during the summer transfer window - forwards Zan Vipotnik and Eom Ji-Sung, midfielder Goncalo Franco and goalkeeper Lawrence Vigoroux - while 13 senior players have departed since last season.

Liverpool's Kaide Gordon and Scottish defender Max Johnston, of Austrian side Sturm Graz, are among the latest names to be linked with the Swans.

“I think that's absolutely fair to say that we are a small squad so we need every player available as much as possible,” Williams said.

“We know it's proved to be difficult for us to get signings over the line. That's the truth of it.

“If it was a case that we weren't trying, there would be frustration and I would be concerned and alarmed.

"But the reality is that it has been challenging - far more challenging, probably, than we anticipated to get players [with] deals agreed and in the building.

“So we’ll continue and we are still on track, but it has taken longer than we anticipated.

"Maybe we learn from this going forward and have an even tighter strategy to get players pretty much agreed before the windows open."

Swansea missed out on ex-Stoke City striker Tyrese Campbell, who instead joined Sheffield United, despite Williams holding talks with the player.

Campbell was one of a number of targets the Championship club have seen go elsewhere during this window.

“If you ask Sheffield United, they were probably looking at players that are getting poached by Premier League clubs - everyone has got their own their own issues,” added Williams.

“It is a challenging market for us and we are doing a lot of work that is not bearing fruit at times, but I would rather that we are doing a lot of work and not getting the players over the line than us not doing a lot of work - that would be the big problem."

Swansea's thin squad could soon be boosted by the return of Joe Allen after a toe injury.

The former Wales international is back in first-team training having missed the start of the season, though he may not be fit enough to feature in Saturday's home game against Preston North End.

“He’s incredible, the way he's pushing to get fit is staggering to be honest," Williams said.

"As quick as it's humanly possible, he'll do it. We have to look after him as well.

"He joined in training so that’s a big step forward. He looked like he'd never been away from the pitch - no rust or cobwebs, so typical joe. He's going very well".