Friday 15 December 2017 15:10, UK
Swansea head coach Paul Clement has rubbished reports that Renato Sanches could be returning to Bayern Munich in January.
The Portugal midfielder has struggled since his move to the Premier League on deadline day, so far failing to score in 10 appearances and being unable to secure a regular role in Clement's side.
He has not played since coming off the bench for five minutes against Stoke City on December 2, not even making their bench for matches against West Brom and Manchester City.
"He's been out of the last two squads which isn't a good situation for Renato," said Clement. "He's not very happy about it but his reaction is very good in training, he's very motivated and knows what he needs to do.
"I haven't had any communication with Bayern about Renato's current situation. I believe it's come out of a news source in Portugal, so it's just speculation nothing more than that. As far as I know he's a player here for us for the season.
"You can't expect to keep getting picked if you're not performing. Renato is a very good player and I believe he can make a contribution for us. But in order for him to do that he needs to start playing up to his potential and when he does that he'll feature a lot more."
Earlier, Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes had also played down the reports and stated he is still full of belief in the 20-year-old's ability.
Heynckes said: "I have talked to Hasan Salihamidzic [Bayern's sporting director] over the last few weeks about our players on loan and that we have to take good care of them.
"Like [Serge] Gnabry at Hoffenheim or Sanches at Swansea. I assume that he talked to him on the phone, but there were no talks about getting him back now in the winter. So that rumour surprises me.
"I consider Sanches a great talent, truly. But talent is one thing - the others are daily work, discipline, integration and being a team player.
"The young people have to be led and supported. And sometimes you have to do that forcefully."
