Swans sign highly-rated teenager Matt Grimes
2nd January
Swansea City have completed the signing of highly-rated midfielder Matt Grimes from Exeter City for an undisclosed fee.
The England Under-20 international, who has been linked with a number of Barclays Premier League clubs, has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Liberty Stadium.
Grimes, likened to a young Glenn Hoddle by Tottenham legend and current director of football at Exeter Steve Perryman, has completed his medical but won't be eligible to feature for the Swans until the league fixture with West Ham next week.
The 19-year-old burst onto the scene last season, making 37 appearances - scoring once - in his first campaign in senior football.
He has gone on to score four goals in 25 appearances this term for the Grecians - three of them from free-kicks - while he also featured for over an hour of the pre-season friendly against the Swans at St James Park in July.
His form at the League Two club saw him become the first Exeter player to be called up by England Under-20s earlier this season along with keeper Christy Pym.
Now he joins up with Garry Monk's squad, which is already without Jonjo Shelvey - who faces a four-match suspension - while Ki Sung-Yueng and striker Wilfried Bony will be on international duty following the New Year's Day clash at Queens Park Rangers.
The arrival of Grimes follows on from the signing of Portuguese international Nelson Oliveira, who has joined on loan from Benfica.
