Cattermole completes Wigan move

Wigan have clinched the signing of England U-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole from Middlesbrough.

Wigan have today clinched the signing of England U-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole from Middlesbrough.

Terms for the transfer between the clubs were agreed last week and Cattermole, 20, passed a medical before signing a three-year contract.

It is understood the fee involved is around £3.5m.

Stockton-born Cattermole emerged as a precocious teenager in January 2006 when he made his first senior start in a 2-2 derby draw at Newcastle.

He was used as a substitute in the UEFA Cup final later that season in what was Steve McClaren's last game in charge, but struggled to establish himself in the team under McClaren's successor Gareth Southgate.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is convinced Cattermole can be a success at the JJB Stadium.

"He's got everything going for him," Bruce told club website www.wiganlatics.co.uk.

"He's young, he's courageous, he's a tireless worker and I think he can have a great career in football, hopefully for this club.

"He only turned 20 in April, and already he has played nearly 70 games in the Premier League, as well as in the UEFA Cup. That's exceptional.

"He can be a great leader of the future."