Spurs' Chimbonda bid accepted

[Jack]

Wigan have accepted a bid from Tottenham for full back Pascal Chimbonda.

The French defender has been the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer after handing in a transfer request at the end of last season.

Spurs have had numerous advances for Chimbonda rebuffed by Wigan, who were determined to only let the player leave if their valuation was matched.

Having joined the club from Bastia last season, Chimbonda shone in his first season in The Premiership and also earned a call-up to France's World Cup squad.

Chimbonda was keen to move on to pastures new over the summer and appears to have finally got his wish with the news of a bid being accepted.

The two clubs have reached an accord on an improved fee for Chimbonda, who is already in talks in London as he bids to push through his switch before the end of the month.

"I think we have been strong enough to hold out for what we think Pascal is worth," Wigan boss Paul Jewell told the club's official website.

"I had a price in mind all along and was never prepared to accept anything less than that. I feel we have achieved that goal.

"I can't deny that the whole saga at times has been a distraction to myself and maybe even the dressing room.

"I get the feeling that the players are just as relieved as me that we have reached a conclusion.

"Pascal was a great player for us last season, and there's no denying we would have loved to keep him here.

"However, his actions have always given the impression that he wanted out and therefore my priority was getting the right price.

"I would like to thank Pascal for the way he played last season and being part of a special team who achieved a great deal. I genuinely wish him well in the future."