Swansea sign defender Jose Manuel Flores from Genoa

Michael Laudrup today made his first signing as Swansea manager with the capture of centre-half Jose Manuel Flores from Genoa for an initial fee of £2m.

The 25-year-old, better known as Chico, completed his medical yesterday and has put pen to paper on a three-year contract, subject to international clearance.

"I am very happy to be here," Flores told the Swansea website.

"I know I am joining a club that has been growing over the last few years and is still ambitious to go even higher."

Flores added: "Having played in La Liga and Serie A, two great leagues, it's a dream come true to play in the Premier League, one of the best, if not the best, in the world."

Flores had previously worked with Laudrup when the Dane was in charge of Mallorca.

And the defender admitted the former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder's presence at Swansea was a key factor in his decision to move to south Wales.

He said: "He was one of the main reasons I signed. He knows me as a person and a player, so I was honoured when the call came.

"I believe the manager will be good for Swansea and they have done extremely well to get him. Swansea's way of playing is the same style as he wants to play the game. He is the right person to take this club forward."

Former Spain Under-21 international Flores, who also had spells with Cadiz, Racing Portuense and Barcelona B, believes he will have little trouble fitting in to Swansea's attractive passing style.

"Being brought up in Spain, I have the same culture of possession and passing football," he said.

"I like to play from the back, come forward with the ball, and add to the possession game.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I have been studying Swansea on the internet and I know I am joining a club with passionate supporters who are very close to the players."

Flores, who will fill the gap created by Steven Caulker's return to Tottenham after his loan spell last season, is set to be joined at the Liberty Stadium by Villarreal midfielder Jonathan de Guzman.

De Guzman will move on an initial season-long loan with a view to a permanent transfer and Swansea are hopeful the deal will be completed later today.

PA