Swansea City have today appointed Carlos Carvalhal as the club’s new manager.

The 52-year-old former Besiktas, Sporting Lisbon and Sheffield Wednesday boss has been given the Swans job initially until the end of the season with the option of an extension.

Carvalhal, who parted company with Sheffield Wednesday on Christmas Eve after leading the Owls to the Championship play-offs in successive seasons, will take charge of the Swans for the first time at Watford on Saturday.

The Portuguese agreed the deal late last night and travelled straight to Swansea overnight to meet his new squad and take training this morning.He replaces Paul Clement, who left the club a fortnight ago, and takes over the managerial duties from Leon Britton, who had taken caretaker charge for the last two games.

Swans chairman Huw Jenkins said: “We are very pleased with the appointment.

“We felt we needed to get the managerial situation resolved as soon as possible and while the timing is not always perfect, we can look forward to the second half of the campaign with renewed optimism.

“Carlos’ time at Sheffield Wednesday, which included securing two consecutive play-off places, highlighted that he has great character and personality to lead the squad and the football club, which is vital at such a crucial time.

“He has built up a lot of experience over the years which will ensure the team is structured and organised.

“He is driven and ambitious and while he has a big challenge ahead of him, I know he will tackle it without fear.”

Details of the make-up of Carvalhal’s backroom staff will follow in due course.