Wigan capture defender Melchiot

[shortfuse0_1]

Wigan have secured the signing of defender Mario Melchiot on a free transfer from French side Rennes.
The 30-year-old is the club's third summer signing and returns to English football after previous spells at Chelsea and Birmingham.

"Mario is someone we've been keen on for some time," Wigan boss Chris Hutchings told his club's website.

"He's an experienced and versatile player and he's another real quality addition to the squad."

Melchiot wanted the announcement delayed after passing a medical and agreeing terms so that he could inform Rennes of his decision.

He helped the French side to fourth in the Championnat and a Uefa Cup spot.

Melchiot will join former Ajax team-mate and midfielder Denny Landzaat at the JJB Stadium outfit.

The Dutchman also joins fellow new arrivals Titus Bramble and Antoine Sibierski under the tenure of Hutchings, who took over from Paul Jewell after the end of the past campaign.