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WE are sorry to announce that Dennis Lawrence is leaving the club and heading to join today.

The World Cup hero handed in a written transfer request earlier this week and after talks with the Swans has agreed to join them.


The two clubs have agreed a transfer fee for the 32-year-old player, who is in the last year of his current contract with Wrexham.

Manager Denis Smith is sorry to see the giant defender leave the Racecourse:

"I'm disappointed to see Dennis go, as he has been an excellent player and ambassador for Wrexham FC.

"Following earlier interest from Swansea, I thought we had settled the matter and he would be staying, but following a written transfer request from the player and an increased bid, it was decided that it would be in the best interests of all concerned if he wax allowed to leave.

"I must stress that we did our best to persuade Dennis to stay, as he has been a super servant for the club. But once the player had made his mind up to go, we had to accept the situation and then try and negotiate the best possible deal for the club.

"Everyone at the Racecourse wishes Dennis well in his future career and we thank him for his past efforts on our behalf.

"The search is now on for a replacement, which will not be easy at this stage of the season, but we also have a couple of youngsters might well relish the challenge."

The player was at the Liberty Stadium last night with his agent to discuss personal terms and we believe he passed a medical this morning.

With 198 league appearances and 14 goals to his credit, the big man soon won over the doubters following his arrival from Trinidad side Defence Force in February 2001, becoming the third of our Caribbean signings that season.

He has since gone onto establish himself both with Wrexham, where he was club captain, and with his country, whom he led into the 2006 World Cup finals with the decisive goal against Bahrain in the qualifiers.

We hope that Dennis enjoys as much success with the Swans as former Wrexham players Lee Trundle and Andy Robinson.
Speaking to the Swansea City official website, Dennis Lawrence said: "I'm delighted. I was more than impressed with the stadium when I saw it for the first time last night.

"Obviously I am sorry to leave Wrexham because I enjoyed my five years at the club and the fans were brilliant to me.
"But at 32 this is a great move for me. It's a big club and a big challenge for me. I'm really looking forward to it.''

Swans boss Kenny Jackett said of his new signing: "It's a great acquisition for us, as Denis proved in the recent World Cup just what a quality defender he is.

"I'm sure he'll make his huge presence felt in the heart of our defence."