Swansea City have captured the signature of Southend winger Mark Gower on a long-term, performance-related, contract.

Manager Robert Martinez has been talking to the 29-year-old over the last few weeks since it emerged that the wide-man would be out of contract at Roots Hall at the end of the season.

And Roberto was delighted to win the race with a number of other Championship and League One clubs after his services.

"We are excited to capture a player with Championship experience; a player who has played a very important and successful role at Southend over the last five years,'' explained Roberto.

"The fact that he's chosen to join us with the best years of his career ahead of him is extremely pleasing. It shows how far we've come as a football club.

"We all felt, including Mark, he needed a new chapter and challenge in his career and the fans should be excited that they'll be seeing his talents on display at the Liberty.

"He can play on both wings, and even in the centre, and is very talented on the ball. He's got a fantastic delivery and is great in one on one situations.

"He has the gift to win you a football game.''

Gower began his career at Tottenham and was a member of the squad that won the Worthington Cup in 1998/99.

He had a spell on loan at Motherwell before joining Barnet in January 2001 for £32,500.

He joined Southend from Barnet in the summer of 2003 for £25,000 and capped his first season with the club by being named Player of the Year.

Despite being predominantly right-footed, Gower has proved himself to be equally good on either flank and his ability to cut inside defenders made him a fans' favourite.

He made his 200th appearance for Southend last season and finished the season with nine goals from 42 starts.

Gower will join up with the rest of the Swans squad today for screening and body fat testing.

''It's a coup for us,'' added Roberto. ''To get someone like Mark, with the football he has played and the strengths he has, on a free transfer in the inflated British market is quite something.

''He has quality and he has the right character to be a Swansea City player - he ticks all the boxes.''

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have won the race to sign Paul Anderson on a year-long loan deal from Liverpool.

The 19-year-old has opted to spend a season at the City Ground near his father's Melton Mowbray home and not return to Swansea for a second campaign.

Anderson said: "I enjoyed last season at Swansea but after speaking to Forest I just felt it was the right move for me."