Norwich captain Grant Holt looks set to become Wigan’s seventh summer signing today after the two clubs agreed a fee for the 32-year-old this weekend.
The striker has scored 68 times in 154 appearances during his time at Norwich and the clubs are thought to have agreed a £2million fee.
Holt joined Norwich from Shrewsbury in 2009 and was a key part in the club’s journey from League One to the Premier League.
However, after being voted Norwich’s player of the season in 2010, 2011 and 2012, manager Chris Houghton has decided he is surplus to requirements following the arrival of forwards Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and Nathan Redmond.
The Latics have made a significant statement of intent early in the transfer window.
Holt’s imminent arrival follows the signings of Scott Carson, Marc Antoine Fortune, Stephen Crainey, Chris McCann and James Perch- who all have Premier League experience.
The club have also brought in young centre back Thomas Rogne, 23, who has spent the last three seasons with Scottish champions Celtic.
New manager Coyle has wasted no time implementing his own ideas on this Wigan squad, and the timing of these signings will give him the best chance of moulding a team ready for the start of the season.
The arrival of players such as Holt and McCann, who have both won promotion from the Championship with Norwich and Burnley respectively, could make the difference for Wigan in their attempt to gain promotion from this notoriously difficult league.
Although Wigan look set to lose star striker Arouna Kone to Everton, the club appears in good shape to make a promotion push next season.
Picture courtesy of Grant Stantiall, with thanks.
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