Swansea sign Newcastle's Routledge

LONDON (AFP) - Premier League newcomers Swansea completed their second signing in as many days when winger Wayne Routledge joined from Newcastle on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee on Friday.

The 26-year-old signed for the Welsh club just a day after striker Leroy Lita joined from Middlesbrough.

Routledge, a former England Under-21 international, told Swansea's official website: "I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"It's taken a couple of days to get everything agreed, but I'm excited about getting started."

This will be the first time in 28 years that Swansea have played in English football's top-flight, where Routledge has plenty of experience following spells with Tottenham, Portsmouth, Fulham, Aston Villa and Newcastle.

He starred during his loan spell at QPR last season and played a significant role in helping the London club to the second-tier Championship title.

Routledge added he was keen to work with Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers.

"I've had a good chat with the manager and he really impressed me," he said.

"I had heard a lot of good things about him and the chat only reinforced my belief that moving to Swansea was the right thing to do.

"Having watched Swansea last season, I think everyone would agree they were the best footballing side in the Championship.

"It's going to be a difficult first season in the Premier League; it's going to be tough. But everyone is confident and looking forward to it. After all, playing in the Premier League is what you dream of.

"I'm excited about it."

Rodgers has been busy adding to Swansea's squad with Danny Graham, Steven Caulker, Jose Moreira and Lita all signed before the arrival of Routledge.