Swans look at options as Casey returns to West Ham

Vitor Matos says Swansea City will consider their options in the transfer market after Kaelan Casey was recalled by West Ham United.

Casey joined Swansea on a season-long deal last August but has gone back to Premier League strugglers West Ham having had only limited game-time at the Welsh club.

Swansea did not want to lose Casey, who started last weekend's FA Cup defeat to West Brom, but the 21-year-old could now move on loan elsewhere with West Ham keen for him to gain more first-team experience.

With Ricardo Santos also in line to leave Swansea this month, Matos says the Championship club may now sign a centre-back before the transfer window closes on Monday, 2 February.

"In the market we are always seeing what can bring, what makes sense for us," the Swansea head coach said.

"We have solutions at the moment, so we are not panicking about it. In the short term, Joel Ward can play as a centre-half. Ishe [Samuels-Smith] did that role at Chelsea in the youth [levels], so we are covered.

"So we are just seeing the market, how it is in January, and then we need to see if it makes sense."

Casey made 13 appearances for Swansea, though only three of those were Championship starts.

Since Matos took charge in November, Hammers academy product Casey has made only two substitute appearances in the league.

"West Ham had a decision to call him back and now it's about what's the best for Casey I think," Matos added.

"It's always about this when it comes the window with loan players, young players, potential players in terms of development.

"It's always about expectations, where they are in terms of development, what the club or the mother club wants as well for him. In this situation with Casey that's what was decided and we are now moving forward from that."

Swansea appear willing to let Santos leave after agreeing a fee with Reading for the 30-year-old, who has made just one substitute appearance since joining on a free transfer from Bolton last summer.

"Ricardo had an offer from Reading, but so far [there is] nothing to confirm," Matos said.

"I think it's always about having the best solution for everyone. That's what we are finding out, all of us."

While Swansea have lost Casey, Matos says he does not expect fellow loan signings Samuels-Smith – who is currently out with a groin injury – and Malick Yalcouye to leave during this window.

But the Swans are in discussions with Burnley about bringing Manuel Benson's loan spell to an end this month.

Despite Swansea's defensive issues, they are not expected to recall Filip Lissah from his loan at Falkirk, with the 21-year-old enjoying a positive season at the Scottish Premiership club.