Former Swans boss Roberto Martinez made his third Spanish raid of the 2007/08 season to capture former Barcelona player Andrea Orlandi from La Liga side Alaves on transfer deadline day.

Orlandi, a highly-rated and versatile 23-year-old who can play anywhere on the left or as a second striker, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Barcelona. Having made 66 appearances for Barcalona 'B' in that time, Orlandi has also made four appearances for the first team.

Two of those appearances came in the La Liga Primera Division, while he also played the final two games of last season for Barcelona as they lifted the Catalunya Cup.

He had two years left on his contract at Second Division side Alaves, but agreed a free transfer to sign a one-year deal at the Liberty Stadium with a performance related option to extend his stay.

His appearances in a Swansea City were limited due to an injury picked up in early January 2008 which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

He returned to action at the start of the 2008/09 campaign and featured in the early Carling Cup successes against Brentford and Hull City. But during the course of the season the tricky winger was limited to just 15 appearances in all competitions, scoring once against Reading, but did feature in the draw against Premiership outfit Fulham in the FA Cup.

He moved to a more central midfield role in the 2009-10 season which sparked some impressive performances and he signed a new contract which was extended again last summer.

A thigh injury hampered his progress last season, but the cultured Spaniard still made 20 league appearances to help the Swans secure promotion.