Clement: We are in good shape

Paul Clement reckons his new-look Swansea City squad is primed to progress in the Premier League after a hectic summer transfer window.

The Swans are set to give home debuts to three new recruits when they return to top-flight action against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Wilfried Bony and Renato Sanches arrived in eye-catching deals ahead of last week’s transfer deadline and are both expected to be involved against the Magpies.

And Sam Clucas is in line to wear Swans colours at the Liberty for the first time after making his debut in the win at Crystal Palace before the international break.

Roque Mesa, Tammy Abraham and Erwin Mulder have also signed for the Swans this summer, while a number of players have moved on including two of last season’s key men, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fernando Llorente.

And as the dust settles on a hectic transfer window, Clement reckons the Swans are in better shape now than they were at the end of 2016-17.

“I am very happy with the way the squad has shaped up,” he said.

“Clearly, it’s disappointing when you lose some of your key players, and in Gylfi Sigurdsson, Fernando Llorente and also Jack Cork, some good players have left us.

“But the players we have brought in are very good as well, and I am also pleased with the size of the squad.

“We have 21 outfield players. That’s a good size, whereas last year the squad was probably a bit big.

“The squad is smaller now, but the quality is good.

“When you have good players who want a new challenge and to move elsewhere, it’s better to have players who are motivated and really want to play for this club.

“We have brought in quality players who are very motivated to do well for this team, and that’s important.”

The Swans head into the Newcastle clash in upbeat mood on the back of victory at Palace, their first in the Premier League this season.

But Clement is expecting a stern test against a Toon side who got their season up and running with a 3-0 win over West Ham last time out.

“They responded well in their last game having had not the best of starts,” added the Swans manager.

“They are a very organised team – you can see clearly that Rafa Bentiez has worked hard with them.

“They are well-drilled and Rafa’s teams always have good structure.”