Wigan complete capture of Diame

Manager Martinez has worked hard to land Diame

Wigan have signed French midfielder Mohamed Diame from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano on a three-year deal.

The 22-year-old has agreed personal terms having earned international clearance earlier in the week.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez beat Real Madrid and Barcelona to land Diame, who was cleared in time to line-up against Manchester United on Saturday.

Martinez said: "Credit to Vallecano, they pulled out all the stops to get the deal rushed through."

Martinez views the player as a direct replacement for midfielder Lee Cattermole, who signed for Sunderland earlier in August.

And he admitted: "It hasn't been the easiest of transfers, on a number of fronts, but sometimes that happens in football.

"Although the negotiations are now finalised, both clubs are happy and we are really excited to have him at the club."

Diame's former Rayo Vellecano team-mate Antonio Amaya signed a three-year contract with the Latics last week.

Martinez says he also has other targets in mind ahead of the closing of the transfer window on 1 September.

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But he added: "My concentration is on the players we have here but to help these players to be strong throughout the campaign I think we need another two or maybe three."