Michu: Spanish Call-Up for Swansea Star Is a Certainty

As Michu scored his 13th goal in what has been a terrific first six months in English football for him, I couldn't help thinking about his international prospects.

Normally, a player putting in these consistently excellent performances would be a certainty for an international call-up.

Unfortunately for Michu, the Spanish side that he is trying to break into is widely regarded as the best international team in the history of the game, as they have won three tournaments in a row. They have an embarrassment of riches both in midfield and up front, which is the position in which Michu specialises.

After scoring yet another goal against Manchester United, it is about time he gets the recognition he deserves, and Vicente Del Bosque can hardly fail to take notice.

The big question for Swansea with the January transfer window looming is whether they can hold on to the player who has made the biggest contribution to Michael Laudrup's smooth succession to Brendan Rodgers.

All the big clubs, both in Spain and England, will be looking at the player and wondering just how much money it will take to prise him away from his Welsh home. Swansea have proved that they will always drive a hard bargain, as proved with their protracted negotiations with Liverpool over the sale of Joe Allen in the summer.

It could take a bid upwards of £20 million to prise him away from the club, and there are only so many clubs who have the financial capability to pay that kind of money. Of all the clubs in England who would benefit from a player of his ability, Arsenal would be the most obvious destination. They need a player with his drive, physical presence and outstanding talent and eye for goal. Whether Arsene Wenger has the funds to pursue a bid for the player is another question, but if Michu ever does become available, there will be a long queue of clubs trying to secure his signature.