Nathan Wood signing ends two-year pursuit for Swansea City boss Russell Martin

Swansea City’s signing of Nathan Wood means Russell Martin has finally completed a long pursuit of the defender.

Head coach Martin has long been an admirer of the 20-year-old centre-half, having tried to bring him to MK Dons during his time in charge of the League One club.

Now he has got the deal done, with Wood putting pen to paper on a two-year contract with an option for a third, the Swans boss cannot wait to get down to work with his first summer acquisition.

And he believes England age-grade captain Wood will strengthen Swansea in a number of areas he had identified following his first season in charge.

“Nathan is a player I have wanted for two years now, I have been close to signing him a few times when I was at MK Dons,” said Martin.

“So, to actually have him here is great and I think he will add a lot to us in terms of his athleticism, and he brings a huge hunger and desire to play games.

“He is very composed for such a young man and he possesses all the tools you need for a centre-half. He brings physical presence, height and power and the right mentality.

“He has an incredible pedigree. He has probably got a little bit lost, for want of a better word, over the last year or two and had some difficult moments.

“But I think those experiences will be the making of him, he is absolutely desperate to get down to work with his new team-mates and we are really looking forward to working with him.”