By Alan G
August 31 2006

Latics have accepted Tottenham Hotspurs “improved bid” for Pascal Chimbonda and will according to Paul Jewell be “The biggest fee ever received for one of our players”.

Pascal Chimbonda has been given permission to speak to Tottenham Hotspurs after the two clubs finally agreed an improved fee for the French international , and the right back has gone to London to discuss personal terms with Spurs and finalize the deal before tonight's (Thursday) transfer deadline.

Jewell expressed his satisfaction at not being held to ransom by the player stating: "I think we have been strong enough to hold out for what we think Pascal is worth. I had a price in mind all along and was never prepared to accept anything less than that. I feel we have achieved that goal.

"No one knew the name Pascal Chimbonda in this country 12 months ago, now he is one of the most recognizable faces in the Premiership, a French international who sat on the bench in the World Cup Final and is a member of the PFA team of the year. That is down in large part to this club taking a risk on the player and giving him a chance in the Premiership."

Jewell added: "My only concern in all of this is the good of Wigan Athletic and the team. We have had such a brilliant summer in terms of recruitment, and the buzz around the dressing room is so strong that I don't think anything or anyone could disrupt that. The bottom line is that I need players who want to stay at this club and fight for each other and as a team.

"The team spirit and the togetherness of the squad has been one of the foundations of our success so far and I will not let that be jeopardized in any circumstances."

"I can't deny that the whole saga at times has been a distraction to myself and maybe even the dressing room. I get the feeling that the players are just as relieved as me that we have reached a conclusion”.

Jewell was also magnanimous in his praise for Chimbonda as a player however:

"Pascal was a great player for us last season," said Jewell, "and there's no denying we would have loved to keep him here. However, his actions have always given the impression that he wanted out and therefore my priority was getting the right price.

"I would like to thank Pascal for the way he played last season and being part of a special team who achieved a great deal. I genuinely wish him well in the future."