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Swansea City are set to win the race to sign FC Twente playmaker Hakim Ziyech, despite the 23-year-old having been linked with newly promoted Middlesbrough.

Ziyech has turned heads with his performances at Twente since joining the club from fellow Dutch side Heerenveen in 2014; he penned a four-year contract with Twente.











A creative, technical midfielder also known for his ability from dead ball situations, Ziyech has drawn glances from the Premier League and now Swansea boss Francesco Guidolin is set to add him to his ranks.

Indeed, according to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, the Swans are on the verge of scooping up the Morocco international.





The news will come as a disappointment for Middlesbrough, who have been linked with trying to take the 23-year-old to the north east of England.

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Last season the midfielder made 34 appearances in all competitions for Twente, scoring an impressive 17 goals and providing his team-mates with 12 assists.

Ziyech has long been tipped for big things and in 2014 earned high praise from Ajax youth coach Ronald de Boer, who compared him to Mesut Ozil.

De Boer said: "The ball is glued to his foot.

"He is a similar type of player to Mesut Ozil."

