Returning Ki told to earn new contract

PAUL Clement is hopeful that Ki Sung-Yueng will remain a Swansea City player beyond this season, but says the South Korean must earn a new deal at the Liberty Stadium.

Ki returned from a four-month lay-off following knee surgery in the win over Huddersfield and made his first start of the season in the Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester United.

He has been an integral part of Clement’s plans over the closing stages of last season’s successful fight against relegation. However, the 28-year-old midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season, and would be able to talk to potential suitors from January.

Head coach Clement says discussions over an extension for Ki are on hold as he attempts to prove his form and fitness after his lengthy lay-off, a situation he claims both club and player are “comfortable” with.

But he admits it will ultimately come down to whether Ki can produce the sort of form to ensure he is a first-team regular to convince both parties a new deal is in their best interests.

“It’s a two-way thing. Ki’s been here a long time and he’s had a frustrating time with injury since the summer,” said Clement.

“He’s a really good player and he’s played lots of games since I came here.

But he admits it will ultimately come down to whether Ki can produce the sort of form to ensure he is a first-team regular to convince both parties a new deal is in their best interests.

“It’s a two-way thing. Ki’s been here a long time and he’s had a frustrating time with injury since the summer,” said Clement.

“He’s a really good player and he’s played lots of games since I came here.

“But he’s coming back to good physical fitness and I got him back on the pitch as soon as a I could.

“I rate him a lot, but we need to see him play more regularly and he wants that as well.

“There’s no point in him signing a deal if we want to and he thinks ‘I’m not playing so much.’

“From both sides we’re comfortable with the situation.

“Let’s see how the next weeks pan out and then all being good we’ll start those discussions.”

Ki admitted he had been frustrated by the injury issues that have kept him sidelined but hopes to prove his worth in the weeks ahead.

“It has not been good to have to wait so long to play, after four months this is my first 90 minutes,” he said following the United game.

“I had played for the manager at the end of last season and I had hoped to be in the team right from the start of the season.

“It is never easy to watch when things are difficult and as a team I want to help us.”