Wigan conclude Heskey deal

Wigan Athletic have completed the signing of Emile Heskey from Birmingham.

The 28-year-old England international penned a three-year deal at The JJB Stadium after agreeing personal terms with the Lancashire outfit.

"I want to play in The Premiership like every player does," Heskey told the club's website.

"What Wigan have achieved over the past few years is nothing short of amazing. I've talked to a lot of mates within the game and they have said nothing but good things about the manager and the way the club is run.

"I was very impressed with how Paul Jewell sold the club to me, the ambition there is here and the role he sees for me. I can't wait to get started."

Latics boss Jewell was delighted to have concluded the deal.

"This is a major coup for Wigan Athletic, make no mistake," he said.

"I have said all along I want to bring real quality performers into this club and Emile fits into that category.

"He is the most high profile signing this club has ever made, but I've not bought him for his reputation, I've bought him because I know what he can do on a football field.

"He's played over 300 Premiership games, he was a mainstay in the Liverpool and England attack for several seasons and has played and scored in both the World Cup and the Uefa Cup.

"We have been monitoring the situation for a long time as regards his availability, and there were naturally several other clubs interested in a player of his quality.

"It speaks volumes about how far we have come as a club that we have beaten established Premiership clubs to net a player of his stature, just as he has reached his prime.

"I can understand Steve Bruce not wanting to sell him because he has been a big player for him and I expect Emile to make a major impact at Wigan, because he has the talent, the drive and the attitude to fit into the team and play a major part in our development. Of that I am totally convinced."