Former Reading defender Nelson Abbey has sealed a short-term loan move to Portuguese top-flight side Rio Ave.

The 21-year-old was a popular star after breaking through last season but departed for Greek giants Olympiacos in January 2024.

Only featuring on a handful of occasions, the England Under-20 international joined Swansea City in the summer.

Playing for the Swans for just 58 minutes in a League Cup fixture, the Reading-born youngster was recalled last week.

He was regularly back in Berkshire this season to watch his boyhood club, sparking hopes among some supporters of a return after his premature exit.

As of January 7, Abbey confirmed a switch to Primiera Liga outfit Rio Ave on a deal until the summer.

Sat 10th in the top-flight, Abbey joins former Reading full-back Omar Richards at the Estádio dos Arcos.

Richards, on loan from Nottingham Forest, has featured semi-regularly since moving in the summer.