Canas agrees Swans move

6th June
Swansea City have today finalised personal terms with Real Betis midfielder Jose Canas. The Spaniard has signed a pre-contract with the club which will be ratified once the transfer window opens on July 1.
The 26-year-old, whose contract is due to expire at Betis at the end of the month, has played a key role in their La Liga campaign, helping them book a Europa League Play-Off spot after a seventh-placed finish.
But Canas will now be involved in Europa League competition with the Swans instead following their success in the Capital One Cup last February, with Michael Laudrup's side entering at the third qualifying stage.
Canas, who shares the same agent as Swans defender Chico Flores, will also join fellow Spaniards Angel Rangel, Pablo Hernandez and Michu in the squad at the Liberty.
A product of the Betis youth system, Cadiz-born Canas rose through the ranks at the club and made his first-team debut in 2009.
He helped the club win promotion back to the top-flight in 2011 and made 27 appearances last season.
The signing will come as a welcome boost for Swans fans after numerous stories in the media suggesting a disagreement in the camp with manager Michael Laudrup over the level of transfer funds.
But Swans chairman, Huw Jenkins, said: "Myself, the manager and our recruitment staff are all agreed on the quality of players we would like to sign to help us remain competitive in the Barclays Premier League.
"We are continuing to work behind the scenes, in private wherever and whenever we can, to strengthen our squad.
"For that reason it's disappointing that I have to respond to the speculation of unrest at the club after the fantastic season we have had.
"There are substantial funds available to strengthen our squad over the summer while we are also in the privileged position, because of the way we've managed our finances over the years, that we do not need to sell anyone to fund those new recruits.
"It goes without saying that some of our targets will sign for other clubs for different reasons. But that's the same for every club. The important thing, and a factor that has always been vitally important for us, is that we sign players who want to play for Swansea City for footballing reasons. If not, then we move on to the next target.
"I think most people will agree that it is a policy that has served this football club, and more importantly our fans, well over the last decade.
"It is true that I have not sat down with our manager since the last game of the season against Fulham, but that's because we have both been away on holidays at different times. It doesn't mean we haven't spoken because I've had numerous conversations with Michael over the phone and there's been no difference of opinion on our original transfer targets.
"We have built up a strong reputation over the last few years at Swansea and I believe we have gone about our business in the right way. We have to remain strong for the sake of our supporters and make sure this proud reputation is protected at all costs.
"A lot of hard work has been done to try and maintain and improve on the incredible journey we have had over the last 10 years. That work will continue.''