Renato targets a winning start

Renato Sanches is hoping to make a winning start to life at Swansea City as he looks to make his debut this weekend.

The midfielder, who joined the Swans on a season-long loan deal from Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day, could feature for his new club for the first time on Sunday when Newcastle United visit the Liberty (4pm).

And Sanches, who trained for the first time with his new team-mates on Friday, is relishing a potential first appearance in SA1.

“I am ready for the game. If I play in the starting eleven I am confident. If I don’t play I’m still confident,” he said with a smile.

“I hope I can play from the beginning or come on to make by debut. At home it’s always important to get to know the stadium as well as the supporters.

“I think this will be an important game for us – we want to win it.”

Sanches’ arrival in SA1 further bolsters Paul Clement’s options in midfield, which have also been boosted by the signing of Sam Clucas from Hull City last month.

The 20-year-old featured out wide for Portugal Under-21s in their midweek win over Wales, while he is comfortable operating in other positions.

He added: “My favorite position is in the middle - right in the middle, in the center - not a defensive midfielder but as a number eight, but I am capable of playing in other positions,” added the 20-year-old.

“I can play in outside or inside areas - I think that helps me as well as the team - but my favourite position is as a number eight, practically it is the one that suits me best.”