Swansea set a trend for Spanish raids

The transfer rumour mill is in full effect and it would appear some of Spain's lesser club's are turning Premier League heads this summer...

Michael Laudrup brought more than just impeccable manners and stylish tailoring to the Premier League this season.

The Dane also imported one of the bargains of the century in £2 million Rayo Vallecano 'midfielder' Michu, who promptly went about firing in 22 goals in his debut season.

Displaying his in-depth knowledge of Spain's top division, Laudrup also completed the signing of largely untracked Valencia trickster Pablo Hernandez, another one for the hits column.

Although raiding Spain is nothing new to Premier League bosses, now it would seem that many of the top clubs in England are focusing on plundering the lesser lights of La Liga rather than plumping for the stellar names at Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Liverpool were the first to kick things off by reportedly reaching a £7.7 million agreement with Celta Vigo for their striker Iago Aspas - a club who only retained their top-flight status on the last day.

Of course, this move has subsequently fanned the flames of the rumour that Luis Suarez is now heading for the Anfield exit door, possibly to Real Madrid - with the Uruguayan subsequently out at 3.8 to remain a Red next season.

Meanwhile, Manchester City, who are one of a handful of teams for whom money is no object, have also opted to go further down La Liga to pinch Jesus Navas from Sevilla rather than targeting Real or Barca's stars.

Although, this time the price is reportedly a little higher than the £2 million Swansea parted with for Michu (somewhere in the region of £17 million), this is mainly due to the fact 27-year-old Navas has long been a part of Spain's all-conquering national squad.

City will be hoping that he can make a similar impact to compatriot David Silva in his debut season to aid their 3.55 rated quest to wrestle the Premier League title back from their neighbours.

In the last 24 hours, West Ham have got in on the act too, by allegedly mounting an audacious £14.5 million bid for Navas' Sevilla teammate Alvaro Negredo, scorer of 31 goals for his club last season.

However, Sevilla's president Jose Maria del Nido claimed that they rejected the bid for their striker, who has four years remaining on his contract.

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