The Premier League awaited in the summer – but Nelson Oliveira is happy to push for Norwich City to take him there instead.
Top-flight Swansea made a big push for the Portuguese striker’s signature on the final day of the August transfer window – a deal ultimately rejected by the Canaries.
Oliveira had spent the first half of 2015 with the Swans in the Premier League, on loan from Benfica – while last season’s Championship play-off finalists Reading also chased hard to recruit the 26-year-old forward.
With five league goals already in the bag from their top scorer despite an injury-hit season so far, City fans are glad Oliveira is still around ahead of their East Anglian derby date at Portman Road on Sunday – one Oliveira has already acknowledged he is looking forward to.
“Swansea made a bid on the last day as everyone knows,” said Oliveira. “I was with the national team and it was a good opportunity for me, but I spoke with the gaffer and I told him I am focused on Norwich as well.
“I said if I stay here I will be happy because I really want to help and we all want to help put this club back in the Premier League, because I think this team deserves it.
“So I was really happy to stay here because I love playing here, because people give me support and I enjoy it here. So it was good to stay here.”
Portuguese international Oliveira was loaned out six times during his decade coming through the ranks at six years at Estadio da Luz, before City paid in excess of £5m to give the striker a new permanent home.
Since then Oliveira has obliged with 17 goals from 39 appearances.
• For the latest Norwich City news and opinion follow Michael Bailey on Twitter @michaeljbailey, Facebook @mbjourno and Instagram @mrmichaeljbailey
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