Swansea City have signed a pre-contract agreement with Real Betis for midfielder Jose Canas on a free transfer.

As long as no complications arise, Swansea will be able to officially sign Canas as soon as the transfer window opens on July 1.

The 26-year-old Canas helped Real Betis finish in seventh place in La Liga, booking the club into a Europa League Play-Off spot.

Swansea City Chairman Huw Jenkins took the opportunity to set the record straight regarding speculation that there is a rift between the club and manager Michael Laudrup regarding a lack of funds to sign quality players:

“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.”

While at Real Betis, Canas refused to extend his contract with the club in the hope of moving to a bigger side. Canas, who made his La Liga debut in 2009, is a defensive midfielder that should provide more steel to Swansea’s midfield.

If you’ve seen Jose Canas play for Real Betis, what’s been your impression of him as a footballer, and could he be as successful for Swansea in the Premier League as fellow Spaniard Chico Flores has been? Have your say in the comments section below.