Burgess deal is a clear statement of intent from the Swans

IT was a move that took everyone by surprise. Another eye-catching twist in a summer window that has already been uncharacteristically productive for the Swans.

- TOM COLEMAN

After landing Zeidane Inoussa, Bobby Wales and Ricardo Santos, the capture of Ipswich Town defender Cameron Burgess feels like an enormous statement of intent, and has simultaneously taken the sting out of Harry Darling's exit, which was finally confirmed on Monday.

Losing Darling is a blow, make no mistake.

The 25-year-old arguably enjoyed his best season in a Swans shirt last term, forming a superb partnership with Ben Cabango at the heart of a defence that racked up an impressive 14 clean sheets last season.

But to replace him with a man that was playing Premier League football last season isn't a bad way of softening the blow.

Indeed, it feels something of an almighty early coup in Swansea's window.

A fair number of eyebrows have been in East Anglia too, particularly given the alleged interest from big names elsewhere.

"It's definitely taken a lot of people by surprise as it's tough to know what all of his options were," Alex Jones, who covers Ipswich Town for the EADT and Ipswich Star, outlines.

"There were a couple of links from Spain. Girona was one, Valencia was one. The Rangers interest was also there.

"I never really felt that confident he was going to stay at Ipswich, because it was a case of him being 29. He didn't really play regularly in the Premier League, making 11 appearances, and I think it was a case of him needing that security."

Why Swansea?