Latics win race to take 'prodigious' Victor Moses into Premier League

Wigan Athletic are delighted to have announced that the club has won the race to sign Crystal Palace's prodigiously talented England Under 19 international Victor Moses, for an undisclosed fee, after completing the paperwork this morning.

The exciting forward, who only turned 19 last month, travelled to Wigan over the weekend to agree personal terms and undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a three and a half year deal.

Moses has reportedly been the subject of offers from several other clubs, while his name has also been linked with some of the biggest clubs in football since breaking into the Crystal Palace first team last season.

But after meeting Roberto Martinez, the Latics manager is delighted Moses has agreed to sign at the DW Stadium.

Moses scored in a 3-1 Crystal Palace victory at Swansea City last season and Roberto says he is a player he has admired from afar ever since he first saw him play.

"He is a special talent," said Roberto, "You can see that straightaway. He has been a big hit for Crystal Palace, and now he has the chance to grow and mature in the Premier League.

"Like young James McCarthy, who has given us no choice but to play him in the Wigan first team with his attitude and form, Victor is a real player in the making, and he now needs to show the right character and dedication to match his undoubted talent and I think he can make a terrific impact at Wigan Athletic over the coming months and years.

"I have said all along that I want to bring in the right sort of players to this club, who will be proud to wear the shirt and who will bring something fresh and new to the table. Victor certainly fits the bill in that respect."

Moses was born in Nigeria but moved to England at the age of 11, and has notched 11 goals in 42 league starts for Crystal Palace.

Moses said: "To play in the Premier League is a dream and I want to thank Roberto Martinez and Wigan for giving me the chance to do that.

"I'm sad to leave Palace because they're a great club and gave me my chance in football and I want to say thanks to everyone there.

"But I need to prove myself now at Wigan and I'm going to focus on getting in the team and doing well for my new club."

Having played in this season's FA Cup competition for Crystal Palace, he is not eligible for Tuesday night's 4^th Round replay against Notts County, but will be considered for Saturday's trip to Sunderland.