By Alan G
October 27 2006

Latics have agreed a £3.5 Million fee with Liverpool for the permanent transfer of goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.

Initially joining on a six month loan deal, the 25 year-old shot-stopper has been an ever-present in the Latics line-up this season and the deal is expected to go through once the January transfer-window opens.

Latics manager Paul Jewell said: "It was always our intention to make the deal permanent. It's great news that we've got it all sorted so quickly.

"I'm blessed with three excellent keepers in Kirky, Mike Pollitt and John Filan, who's currently on loan at Doncaster. The competition is fierce and that's how I like it."

Kirkland joined Liverpool for £6m from Coventry in 2001, but fell down the pecking order because of injury and spent last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion.

Kirkland, who made his international debut in England's 4-0 win over Greece in August, said of his move: "I'm really pleased that my future is now sorted.

"It's been great since joining Wigan, we have a tremendous set of lads and the gaffer has been different class.

"This is an ambitious club that is going places and I'm delighted that I'll be part of that."