Deal done and dusted
Story by Paul Farrington 22 December 2005
Paul Scharner will complete his move to the Latics on the 1st January 2006 after he agreed terms with the club today. The Austrian international is reknowned for his speed at centre back.
Paul Scharner: £2.5 million
The move is said to be worth £2.5 million but the actual fee is undisclosed. Scharner will leave Brann Bergen from Norway to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premiership.
He will be available to make his debut in the F.A. Cup game with Leeds United.
Paul Jewell said: "Paul [Scharner] will be an excellent signing for us. He is very quick, strong in the air and can play anywhere in defence or in the midfield. He will be a very valuable addition to the squad."
Speaking to Wigan Athletic's Official Club Website Scharner said: "Wigan is a club in a great position with a big ambition. They want to be one of the best clubs in the country and that is exactly the same as me.
"To play in the Premiership is a dream for me, because as a player you want to test yourself against the best.
"When I heard about Wigan, then I met the manager, it was an easy decision and I am really looking forward to starting with the club in January."
Other names being linked with the Latics in January are Paddy Kenny and Phil Jagielka (both Sheffield United), Fatih Tekke (Trabzonspor) and Dean Ashton (Norwich).
