WIGAN Athletic have completed a é600,000 deal for Chesterfield striker Caleb Folan on a three-and-a-half year contract.

The 24-year-old former Leeds United trainee has scored eight goals in 19 games this season, and boss Paul Jewell is confident he will be a Premiership hit.

Jewell who gave Jimmy Bullard and Nathan Ellington their chances, said: "I think he's got what it takes to play at the top level. He's strong, he's aggressive, he's got a finisher's instinct and I think he will add competition in an area where the squad needs bolstering.

"I've always maintained I will never buy a player unless I think he can add something to my squad, and Caleb is no different.

"I think the lad's got it, simple as that."

Deal

The Latics have alse agreed a deal to buy Nigerian striker Julius Aghahowa from Shakhtar Donetsk for an undisclosed fee, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Wigan will make a last-ditch bid in the next 48 hours to try and lure Ellington back to the JJB Stadium.

Wigan have discussed increasing their é3m offer but are reluctant to pay the full é4m valuation wanted by West Brom.

Wigan travel to Reading tomorrow but could be without David Cotterill, who damaged ankle ligaments in last week's reserve team clash with Newcastle.

Lee McCulloch is still being linked to Rangers but Jewell is adamant the Scottish international will see out the season in the Premiership with Latics.

Wigan have also ditched plans to sign Sparta Moscow's rugged Ukrainian international, Maxim Kalynychenko.

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