Cattermole wraps up move to Wigan

Wigan have completed the capture of England Under-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole from Middlesbrough.

Cattermole has signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee after passing a medical and Latics boss Steve Bruce has predicted a big future in the game.

"He's got everything going for him," said Bruce of the 20-year-old.

"He's young, he's courageous, he's a tireless worker and I think he can have a great career in football - hopefully for this club."

Wigan initially failed with a bid for the player but returned to make a successful offer, which is thought to be about £3.5m.

Bruce feels the club have got a bargain in the Stockton-born Cattermole, who emerged as a precocious teenager in January 2006 when he made his first senior start in a 2-2 derby draw at Newcastle.

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Bruce added: "He only turned 20 in April and already he has played nearly 70 games in the Premier League, as well as in the Uefa Cup. That's exceptional. He can be a great leader of the future."

Cattermole was used as a substitute in the Uefa Cup final in what was Steve McClaren's last game in charge in 2006, but struggled to establish himself in the team under McClaren's successor Gareth Southgate.

Southgate revealed last week that the club had received a tentative bid for Cattermole and has admitted he needs to sell before he can buy again.

Cattermole is a product of Middlesbrough's youth academy and has made 69 appearances for the club, scoring three goals.

Wigan have been relatively busy in the transfer market recently, signing midfielder Olivier Kapo for £3.5m and Daniel de Ridder on a free, both from Birmingham City, as well as Egypt striker Amr Zaki on a one-year loan deal from Zamalek.

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