By Gareth Vincent
South Wales Evening Post

Angel Rangel has set top-flight football as the target after signing a new long-term Swansea City contract.

The Spanish full-back, whose previous deal was due to expire next summer, has agreed improved terms which will keep him at the Liberty Stadium until at least 2010.

And Rangel believes Swansea will be serious competitors for a place in the Premier League before his new agreement runs out.

''I signed this contract because I can see that the club are working very well and that we are working intelligently,'' he said.

''The club are ambitious and, while it may not be this year, I hope we will see Swansea in the Premier League in a short time.

''For now we must concentrate on working, but I want to be here next season or the year after that to enjoy it when we get to the Premier League.

''I want to be involved when Swansea get there.''

Rangel proved one of the bargains of last season after signing from Spanish Segunda B club Terrassa for a mere £10,000. And despite a summer hernia operation, the 25-year-old is already thriving in the Championship.

''I haven't seen a team in this division who keep the ball like us yet,'' Rangel added.

"There are some strong, physical players with quality and we have to be focused on set-pieces, long balls and second balls.

''We have to concentrate all the time but, if we carry on playing like we have so far, I think you will see Swansea in the top 10.''

Roberto Martinez, who stumbled across Rangel when watching another player last summer, is thrilled to have tied down his star right-back.

''It's great that we have got Angel for the long term because he represents what this club is about,'' said the Swansea boss.

''He is young, enthusiastic, he wants to win and he wants to progress.

''And he has shown the fans what a good player he is. He can go on and play at the highest level and we're delighted that he wants to do that with Swansea City.

''The way he plays, with his quality on the ball and his ability to defend, makes him the complete right-back.

''That kind of player is not easy to find in the British game.''

Rangel follows Jason Scotland in committing his future to Swansea, and it is understood fresh deals for other players are likely to follow soon.

Rangel's new contract should fend off any potential interest in the player, although he insists he is not even considering leaving.

''I don't know if any other clubs have phoned about me and I don't care,'' he said. ''I am happy here. I'm happy in my football and in my life so I don't want to go anywhere else.''