Swans seal Oliveira loan deal

Swansea City have today agreed terms to sign Portuguese international Nelson Oliveira from Benfica on loan until the end of the season.

The paperwork will be finalised with the Barclays Premier League once the transfer window opens on January 1.

The 14-cap striker, who featured for his country in Euro 2012, gives Garry Monk further attacking options due to Wilfried Bony's involvement in the African Cup of Nations next month.

"I'm really looking forward to it,'' declared Oliveira. "I already know quite a bit about Swansea and it was their style of play and the ambience at the club that attracted me. It was an easy decision to make.

"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 spent last season on loan at French club Rennes where he scored eight goals in 30 league appearances.

The 6ft 1in 23-year-old, who helped Benfica reach the Champions League quarter-final in 2012, has also featured for Portuguese duo Rio Ave and Pacos Ferreira on loan along with Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna.

He hopes his loan spell at Swansea will also keep him in the frame for the Portuguese national team.