By Alan G
August 31 2006

Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane has completed a move from Everton to Latics on a three-year deal with an option on a fourth year

The fee for the 29 year-old remains undisclosed but it is widely speculated to be anything in the region of £1 – 2million, and he becomes the ninth player to come to Latics this summer.

 

Kilbane has been at the JJB Stadium this afternoon (Thursday) undergoing a medical, having been released from training with the Republic of Ireland for the duration of the negotiation. When he returns from international duty next week he will meet up with his new team-mates.

 

His sending off at Spurs last weekend means he is suspended for the Portsmouth game.

 

He is likely to make his first-team debut for Latics at Goodison Park on September 16^th.

 

Paul Jewell was very happy at his acquisition stating: "I am delighted Kevin has agreed to come on board.

 

"He is another real quality acquisition for us, a highly-experienced player who has seen it all at Premiership level.

 

"I have been a long-time admirer because he is a Wigan type of player, committed, athletic, quick and talented.

 

"He brings something we just haven't got at the club, a naturally left-footed attacking player.

 

"I have always maintained that I want at least two players for every position and Kevin will now give us a terrific option on the left-hand side."

Kilbane added: "Paul Jewell is my type of manager because he likes to be close to players and I just want to join up with the rest of the squad and playing my part."

"I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone at Everton. I've had great support from everyone there and there's always a bit of you that's sad to say goodbye when you leave such a great club."