Rodallega seals Wigan switch

(GETTY IMAGES)

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is convinced Hugo Rodallega will be "a big player" for the club after finally completing a £4.5m move for the Colombia striker.

Rodallega was granted a work permit last week and, after flying in on Thursday, has now passed a medical and agreed personal terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The transfer is subject to international clearance, but that should be a formality as Rodallega has scored six goals in 21 appearances for his country.

The Latics are hoping to gain the necessary clearance in time for the 23-year-old, signed from Mexican club Necaxa, to be included in the squad for Wednesday's JJB Stadium clash with Liverpool.

Bruce, though, is just happy to finally have Rodallega on board as he said: "This is great news for us.

"It has taken a while to get all the paperwork completed on what has been quite a complicated transfer, but I'm relieved it's all been finalised.

"I believe this lad can be as big a success in this country as some of our other imports.

"He is strong and quick, with an eye for goal and I am convinced he can adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

"We have had him watched on numerous occasions, and I think he has the attributes to make it over here in the long term and go on to be a big player for this club.

"In the short term, his arrival will add competition for places up front. The lad is raring to go and show us what he's made of."

Rodallega, who scored 25 goals in 52 games for Necaxa, is eager to prove himself in English football's top flight.

"To play in the Premier League is a dream come true," he said.

"Now I want to show Steve and all the Wigan fans they have made a good choice."