Swansea City's first summer signing Jose Canas has revealed that Michael Laudrup and Chico Flores were instrumental in persuading him to pick a switch to the Liberty Stadium.
Canas will formally complete a free transfer from Real Betis to Swansea on July 1, with the midfielder reportedly snubbing an offer from West Bromwich Albion to sign for Laudrup's side.
The 26-year-old has admitted that manager Laudrup's knowledge of the Spanish market helped make the move attractive, with a glowing reference from former teammate Chico finally sweetening the deal.
He told the Daily Mail: "I could not let this opportunity go to be honest. The manager was a quite important point. I had several options abroad and the fact that the manager knows you obviously helps when making the decision.
"His style of play is quite attractive and I do not think I will have any difficulties to fit in quickly. We had some options but Swansea was on top of them from the beginning, they showed strong interest and that was important to me.
"I knew them all from playing against them in Spain. I know Chico the best as we are both from Cadiz and have been playing against each other since we were kids. I spoke to Chico and he said he has enjoyed the season at Swansea very much so I am pretty excited to join them all. Swansea have become very famous in Spain. Actually, together with Wigan, it is the most followed premier league club in Spain."
Canas joins countrymen Chico, Michu, Pablo Hernandez and Angel Rangel in South Wales, with Swansea's Spanish contingent growing to five players.
Liam Power
