Wigan manager Steve Bruce has finally resolved the club's six-month problem at left-back with the capture of Sweden international Erik Edman.
The Latics completed the transfer of Edman on Friday from French club Rennes, with the 29-year-old due to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract for £500,000.
Edman started his career at Helsingborgs before joining Heerenveen and then Tottenham in the summer of 2004 where he made 31 appearances.
He will long be remembered by Spurs fans for his only goal of the 2004-2005 campaign, a stunning strike in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool that earned him goal of the season.
The defender then joined Rennes on transfer deadline day in August 2005, but will now return to the Premier League with the Latics.
Edman will take over the left-back role from Kevin Kilbane, who has filled in at that position since Leighton Baines' departure in the summer to Everton.
A delighted Bruce said: "Kevin has filled in and done a really good job.
"But if I can bring in an experienced player like Erik, that gives me the option of pushing Kevin up the pitch and helps the situation.
"So I'm delighted to get him because it's not often you can get a Sweden international with 55 caps under his belt for the sort of money we've paid."
Bruce has also signed Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia on a permanent three-and-a-half-year contract from Villarreal - the 21-year-old has been on loan since the summer of 2006.
The deal is still subject to international clearance, although it only relates to the latter part of his contract as he is cleared to play in the Premier League until the end of 2008
Bruce added: "I knew about him before I came to the club.
"But having seen him at close quarters these past few weeks, I now realise just how good he is.
"To get him signed permanently was one of my priorities. I felt it was important to get it done sooner rather than later."
Valencia is thrilled with the move and said: "I am really happy this has been sorted.
"I have always wanted to play in England, and now that Wigan have given me the chance, I am happy to repay them by staying here."
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