SWANSEA manager Russell Martin has explained why he let Cherries’ acquisition Jamal Lowe leave and insisted: “We’ve replaced him with someone who suits us more.”

The versatile forward hit 14 goals for the South Wales outfit last season, bettered only by also departed hitman Andre Ayew, on their way to the Championship play-off final.

The Jamaica international can confidently play three positions across the frontline and didn’t miss a single game through injury or fitness in the entire Championship campaign.

But new Swans boss Martin has tried to squash any suggestions that he will be a big miss and added “I want people who really want to be at the club.”

The former MK Dons gaffer said: “I spoke to Jamal on Sunday because I’d had a few calls about people being interested in him and him expressing a desire to go somewhere else.

"I asked him outright. He was really honest and he said he would like to go because he feels maybe he doesn’t fit into the system completely. He’d had interest from a couple of clubs.

"I want people who really want to be at the club. I have no ill-feeling towards Jamal. He’s got a move which feels is good for him.

"The club have been able to replace him with Michael which probably suits us a little bit more. He is young asset and can be a real asset to the club.

"It made sense to allow Jamal to go. He did a great job last year, playing in a formation that we don’t play."

Swansea replaced Lowe with Southampton’s 21-year-old striker Michael Obafemi, believed to come into the club for a similar fee.

But with Lowe’s versatility, fitness and goals – surely the Jamaican international will still be a miss for the club who have lost a number of their key stars, including Wales’ Connor Roberts, in the same window.