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Paul Clement has suggested he could leave Renato Sanches out of his starting line-up against Watford as Roque Mesa pushes for inclusion in his Swansea City side.

Sanches, 20, has had a mixed start to life with the Swans following his eye-catching loan move from Bayern Munich.

The Portugal international has shown glimpses of his undoubted talent, but has also been guilty of making unforced errors as he adjusts to his new team-mates and new surroundings.

Mesa, 28, has had to bide his time following his £11million acquisition from Las Palmas, with head coach Clement taking a more cautious approach compared to that seen with Sanches.

But the Spaniard turned in his best showing yet in a Swansea shirt at Reading in the Carabao Cup in midweek, pushing Alfie Mawson close for man-of-the-match honours.

Mesa showcased his ability to inject tempo into Swansea's play, as well as reading the game well to break up several Royals attacks, giving Clement a selection headache in an already-congested midfield area.

And while the former Derby boss believes Sanches is making progress the more he plays, he admits that the sheer competition for places in the middle of the park could mean the ex-Benfica player does step down against the Hornets.

"With each game there has been improvement, from Newcastle on to Tottenham and Reading. I see him heading in one direction," said Clement.

"He understands the process he is going through and that we are going through with him, that is normal when you come from a different league and club.

"He has not been playing regularly and now he is so it is going to take a bit of time, but it is positive that he is improving.

"In terms of selection we have a lot of mdfield competition. I exercise patience in some circumstances to players but at the same time we have to go out and put in good performances.

"Those who are performing well need to be rewarded with more time on the pitch.

"It could be, and I am not talking specifically about him (Sanches), that a player could be in the team for a little while then come out for bit and then come back in again. These are all things I am thinking about.

"I have not decided on the side for the weekend yet, I am pretty sure on seven positions. Going into the final training session I would say there are four that need further consideration."

And Clement acknowledged that Mesa's impressive showing at the Madejski Stadium had certainly given him food for thouight.

“He is pushing, he probably had his best game so far in midweek,” said Clement.

“He used the ball really well, he took up good positions, showed he has good technique and he did not force things.

“He had a good game, it was good for him and you could see he was buoyant after the game.

“He brought some tempo to our game and that has been the challenge for him, to handle the intensity. Can he do what he did as a Las Palmas player in the Premier League and he is getting there definitely.”