Swansea City are set to sign Finnish international striker Shefki Kuqi on an 18-month contract.
The striker agreed terms at the Liberty Stadium this morning and the paperwork has gone off to the German FA and Football League for clearance.
Kuqi, 33, will move on a free transfer from German Second Division side TuS Koblenz where he had struck seven times in 17 games this season.
Known as the 'Flying Finn', he will meet his new teammates later today ahead of tomorrow night's Championship clash with Coventry City (7.45pm).
"I'm moving to a club that is doing really well,'' explained Kuqi. "I had a good game at the Liberty Stadium for Crystal Palace last season and scored one of the goals. Hopefully this will be a lucky ground for me.
"I know Swansea like to play the game the right way and whether they play one or two up front I don't mind. I like to put myself about and I can't wait to get started. I'm buzzing.
"I missed out in the play-offs with Ipswich on two occasions, so I'm sure this will be third time lucky for me.''
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Kuqi in action against the Swans for Crystal Palace at the Liberty last season |
Swans boss Paulo Sousa was delighted to add Kuqi to his squad.
"I'm sure that a player with his experience and maturity can only help us at Championship level,'' said Paulo. "He will help us improve.
"He is a quality striker who will add something different to our squad so that we can keep doing well in every game and be successful.''
After starting his career as a youngster in his native Kosovo, Kuqi moved to his adopted homeland of Finland as a 19-year-old.
He spent five years with Mikkelin Palloilijat, HJK Helsinki and FC Jokerit before his eight-year affiliation with English football started with a move to Stockport County in January 2001.
He helped The Hatters retain their First Division - now the Championship - status before switching to Sheffield Wednesday 12 months later.
His most prolific spell came at Ipswich where he struck 31 times in 81 appearances between 2003 and 2005; his form at Portman Road earning him a move to the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers.
A year at Ewood Park saw a return of seven goals before a reported £2.5m move to Crystal Palace. In three years with the South London outfit, which also saw him go out on loan to Fulham and Ipswich, he scored a further 18 times.
Following his release from Palace last summer, Kuqi linked up with his brother Njazi at German 2. Bundesliga (Second Division) side TuS Koblenz.
At international level he is a key fixture of Finland's national team and has seven goals from 58 caps for the Nordic state.
