Jason Koumas becomes 6th summer signing for Chris Hutchings

Wigan Athletic have won the race to sign the exciting Wales international playmaker Jason Koumas from West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee, who joins Titus Bramble, Antoine Sibierski, Mario Melchiot, Andreas Granqvist and Carlo Nash at the club, becoming manager Chris Hutchings' 6th signing since taking over.

Right: Koumas, the first picture, Jason shakes on it with his new Gaffer Chris Hutchings prior to signing his deal at the JJB Stadium this morning

Koumas was named the Championship Player of the Year at the Football League Awards in March and Hutchings was absolutely delighted to land the Wrexham-born 27 year-old, who was in Wigan this morning (Tuesday) to undergo a medical and sign a four year deal at the JJB Stadium.

"Jason is a touch of class," said Hutchings, "and I am convinced he will add a new dimension to the team. There were a number of other Premiership clubs interested in him, which makes me even more delighted he's chosen to join us.

"He has tremendous ability, fantastic vision and I sincerely hope he can continue where he left off in the Premiership, because his skills deserve to be seen at the highest level."

He added: "We've pushed the boat out to get him but now we turn our attention to other targets. We've done well in the transfer market so far but there's still room to improve the squad further."

Koumas began his career at Liverpool as a young boy alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen, before joining Tranmere Rovers as an apprentice and breaking into the first team at the age of 19 and scoring an impressive 25 goals in 95 league starts.

Gary Megson paid £2.25 to take him to West Bromwich Albion in 2002, where he was voted Player of the Season during the Premiership season of 2002-03, and has twice inspired the team to promotion. He has scored a highly impressive 23 goals from midfield in 103 starts at the Hawthorns.

He has 15 Welsh caps and is a member of John Toshack's current squad, alongside David Cotterill.

Koumas will join the rest of the squad in training this week, and then travel with the team on their pre-season trip to Holland next week.