David Wheater has completed his switch from Middlesbrough to Bolton for an undisclosed fee.
Defender completes Reebok Stadium switch
David Wheater has completed his switch from Middlesbrough to Bolton for an undisclosed fee.
Skysports.com reported on Wednesday that the defender had
agreed terms with the Trotters and he has now penned a three-and-a-half-year contract.
The 23-year-old is set to link up with his new team-mates for the first time on Thursday and could be handed his debut in Monday's home date with Chelsea.
He should have no problem readjusting to life in the Premier League, having competed at that level before with Boro.
Atmosphere
Wheater will be hoping that his return to the big time allows him to earn senior recognition with England, having previously represented the U21s and been involved in a number of squads under Fabio Capello.
Upon signing for Bolton, he told the club's
official website: "I met with the manager [Owen Coyle] and we had a good chat about football.
"I had a look around the facilities and it was a really easy decision to make.
"From what I've seen there is a really great atmosphere at the club and a real buzz about the place and I'm looking forward to working hard and showing the manager what I can do."
Coyle has also expressed his delight at seeing a deal pushed through, with the Scot of the opinion that Wheater will prove to be a shrewd acquisition for the Trotters.
Desire
He said: "First and foremost we are absolutely delighted to get a player of David's quality into Bolton. The hunger that he has shown in wanting to come to the football club has been first class.
"There has been a lot of competition for his signature and again this shows a willingness on our behalf to invest in young players.
"The club have parted with good money to secure the services of a very talented player who has been involved with England squads before.
"We want him to be involved at that level again and to do that he will have to play well for Bolton Wanderers, however he has arrived here with a real desire to achieve that.
"He has a great character as well. He will integrate into the group straight away and it all adds to the fantastic spirit that we have within the squad."
