Page makes third signing as Swansea left-back Hanley joins Cobblers

The 22-year-old has signed a two-year deal which will come into effect from July 1, and the player will provide competition for Dave Buchanan.

An England Under-19 international, Hanley began his career with Blackburn Rovers before moving to Swansea in 2014.

He signed a new contract at the Liberty Stadium last summer, but has failed to break into the first team picture.

Indeed, Hanley has yet to make his senior football debut having not gone out on loan at any point, but Page believes he is an exciting addition to his Cobblers squad.

“Raheem is an energetic left back who loves to get forward and has a lot of potential,” said the Cobblers boss.

“I think the fans will take to him, he likes to attack, he is athletic and mobile and like Aaron Phillips over the other side, he gives us real competition and depth.

“It is up to him and David Buchanan in pre-season to prove to me what they can do.

“David did exceptionally well last year but they both now know they can’t sit back and relax, they can drive each other on and that can only benefit the team.

“The staff at Swansea City speak very highly of him, had he been a year or so younger they may have kept him and we are delighted to bring him in here.”

Hanley becomes Page’s third signing as Cobblers manager, following on from the acquisition of right-back Aaron Phillips from Coventry City and striker Alex Revell from MK Dons.

Although he has yet to make his senior debut, Hanley was named on the bench on a number of occasions while at Ewood Park, and was a key member of the Blackburn team that reached the FA Youth Cup final in 2012.

He also featured regularly for the Championship club’s U21 side.

At Swansea he was part of the Development Squad, but was released at the end of last season.