Wigan snaps up Stam
07/30/2010 11:11:37 AM
Dutch defender Ronnie Stam has become Wigan Athletic's fourth summer signing after agreeing to terms on a three-year deal.
Stam, 26, was a member of English manager Steve McLaren's title-winning squad at FC Twente last season.
The fee is reported to be two million pounds ($A3.46 million) and the defender will join Antolin Alcaraz, Mauro Boselli and James McArthur as new arrivals at the JJB Stadium.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez persuaded Stam to sign despite interest from Dutch giant Ajax with the lure of the Premier League too good to resist.
Stam will replace former Latics right-back and compatriot Mario Melchiot who left at the end of last season after four years with the club.
Stam made 57 appearances for FC Twente and was a key factor in its success last season. He is expected to make his full debut for the Netherlands next month in a friendly against Ukraine and is touted as one of the stars of the future.
Martinez will meet up with Stam on Saturday when Wigan returns from its pre-season tour of Austria.