Swansea City agree Nelson Oliveira loan deal

Swansea City have agreed a deal to sign Nelson Oliveira on a six-month loan from Benfica.

It was recently reported that Swans boss Garry Monk was in the market for a new striker to cover Wilfried Bony, who is expected to link up with the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

Speculation surrounding the Welsh club's pursuit of Oliveira broke this morning and they have now confirmed the deal, which will begin on January 1.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I already know quite a bit about Swansea and it was their style of play and the ambiance at the club that attracted me. It was an easy decision to make," the 23-year-old told the club's official website.

"The deal was agreed early so I can spend an extra 10 days in Swansea training with the squad and getting to know my new teammates. That way I hope to be ready to offer my services to the team that much earlier.

"I want to prepare properly for the challenge. It's going to be a big challenge because I have a lot of respect for fellow strikers Wilfried Bony and Bafetimbi Gomis. I have to earn the right and respect from the manager and my teammates on the training ground to play. But I'm highly motivated to score goals and help the team."

Oliveira, who spent last season on loan in France with Rennes, has been capped on 14 occasions by Portugal.