Craney moved from Accrington to Swansea last season

Craney, 25, made 27 league appearances for the Swans after a �150,000 move, but returned to Accrington on loan this season where he has been a key figure.

The return has now been made permanent with a three-and-a-half year contract.

"I'm delighted to be back, I have great memories from the Conference winning season and it's been fantastic coming back on loan," he told the club site.

This is an indication of our commitment not only to survive in the Football League but to push on and take the club further Accrington chairman Eric Whalley

"The club has big ambitions and I look forward to achieving more success here in the future."

Accrington chairman Eric Whalley said: "Ian is a quality player in every sense of the word.

"There were other options available to him but throughout our conversations he has made it perfectly clear that this is where he wants to play his football.

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"The fee is the highest that this club has ever paid for a player, however I would like to think that this is an indication of our commitment not only to survive in the Football League but to push on and take the club further."

Swansea manager Roberto Martinez said he was sorry to lose the player.

"Ian told me that he wanted first-team football and I couldn't guarantee that," Martinez told the Swansea website.

"I'm sure he will learn from the experience and be a better player.