Portuguese giants Benfica are reportedly keeping a close eye on Tiago Parente, amid ongoing concerns around the full-back's lack of game-time at Swansea City.
Parente joined the Swans on a season-long loan over the summer, but is yet to make a single appearance for the club, despite being named in all but one of their matchday squads this season.
According to Portuguese outlet Glorioso 1904, the situation has started to concern the player's parent club, who want the 20-year-old to be playing more regular football in order to continue his development.
Situation far from expected
Having seen Swansea so far fail to deliver on that brief, it seems the Champions League side may now consider their options.
It's claimed the situation is not what was expected from Benfica, whom it's claimed gave the green light for the move to south Wales in order for the player to gain experience and establish himself in a different league.
Parente is believed to be seen by Benfica as a player with room for improvement in terms of his development, having played 25 times for Benfica B last season. During that time, he scored one goal and provided two assists.
Tymon still first choice
His presence on the bench shows he is clearly in the thinking of Swans boss Vitor Matos, but the youngster has clearly walked into a tough gig in SA1.
Indeed, he was primarily brought in to add cover for first-choice full-back Josh Tymon, who's clearly still an important part of the first team picture under Matos, and is arguably one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Swansea are currently top of the Championship, after securing a 2-1 win over Lincoln City before the international break.
That situation has clearly hindered Parente's hopes of game-time, and it remains to be seen whether he will get any meaningful game time between now and the January window.
'A talented young player'
When the youngster signed, Matos was full of praise for the player's talents, and the competition he could provide in a left-back area otherwise carrying little in the way of meaningful depth.
“We are pleased to bring in Tiago to provide us with competition and another option in the left-back position,” he said.
“He is a talented young player who is excited by the chance to test himself in a different environment, we are happy to have him here and look forward to bringing him into our squad.”
Swansea return to action on Saturday, with Norwich City the visitors to the Swansea.com Stadium.
