WIGAN ATHLETIC NEWS
Defender Stam joins Wigan from FC Twente
Wigan have added Dutch defender Ronnie Stam to their squad after signing the right-back from Dutch champions FC Twente.
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Ronnie Stam: Dutchman was recently called up to play for the World Cup finalists
The fee is believed to be in the region of £2 million, and follows the close-season captures of Antolin Alcaraz, Mauro Boselli and James McArthur. Stam has been signed to replace Mario Melchiot, who has headed for pastures new in Qatar after the expiration of his contract at the DW Stadium.
The Latics are currently on tour in Austria and boss Roberto Martinez is set to meet Stam, recently called up by his country for next month's friendly with Ukraine, on Saturday. Stam is said to have been one of Martin Jol's targets for Ajax before deciding to head to England for what would seem likely to be a more lucrative move.
Stam has signed a three-year deal.
"Ronnie has the past two seasons with FC Twente had the opportunity to develop further as a footballer," Twente chairman Joop Munsterman told the club's official website. "He has taken the chance with both hands. Ronnie indicated his wish to move to a foreign league."
