Wigan make triple swoop for Steven Caldwell, Guillermo Franco and Franco Di Santo

23 August 2010 15:49
New recruit: Steven Caldwell has signed a one-year deal with Wigan Athletic after impressing on trial[LNB]Under-pressure Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has begun a planned triple swoop by signing former Burnley defender Steven Caldwell.[LNB]The Scotland international has joined his brother Gary at the JJB Stadium by putting pen to paper on a one-year contract as Martinez bids to shore up a defence that has conceded ten goals in two games.[LNB]And the Latics boss expects to follow up with deals for veteran Mexico striker Guillermo Franco, who was released by WestHam in the summer, and young Chelsea forward Franco Di Santo beforeWigan travel to Tottenham on Saturday.  [LNB]Martinez has made room on his wage by selling strike flop JasonScotland to Ipswich Town for £750,000 after the 31-year-old scored justonce in 32 Premiership appearances. [LNB]Caldwell, 29, was afree agent after leaving Turf Moor in the summer and has earned a dealby impressing Roberto Martinez on trial in recent weeks. [LNB]Havingcompleted the paperwork Caldwell is available for tomorrow night'sCarling Cup game at Hartlepool and he is pleased to have joined his brother at the club. [LNB] 'Gary has of course told me what the club is like and how impressed he hasbeen with the set up here and I am delighted to have sorted out my future now,' said Caldwell. [LNB]'I have already got to know the lads over the past few weeks and I can't wait to get started and fight for my place.'[LNB]Martinez, who has appointed Gary as club captain, has been impressed by theelder Caldwell's attitude while on trial.[LNB]'We have seen what Steven is all about during his time here - a leader on andoff the field and he is a great personality to have in the dressing room,' saidthe Wigan boss.[LNB]'He has shown real professionalism in his time with us and we are delighted tohave him on board.[LNB] Reinforcements: Guillermo Franco started all four of Mexico's games at the World Cup while Franco Di Santo spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers [LNB]'He has good experience of the Premier League and has played in the ChampionsLeague and UEFA Cup, plus is a full Scotland international.[LNB]'He is a totally committed defender who will add fantastic competition to the squad.'[LNB]Caldwell's arrival should help a defence that has suffered twoheavy Premier League defeats so far but the lack of goals scored is concerningthe Spaniard equal concern, hence the moves for Franco and Di Santo.[LNB]Franco helped keep West Ham up last season and was disappointed not to be offered a new contract by Hammers boss Avram Grant, who replaced Gianfranco Zola in the summer.[LNB]The 33-year-old scored five goals in 16 starts for West Ham before playing in all four of Mexico's World Cup games in South Africa. [LNB]Martinez could sign the free agent later today and will follow that by acquiring Di Santo on a loan deal that was held up this weekend because the two clubs faced each other at the weekend.[LNB] Needs help: Mauro Boselli, left, has struggled to make an impact so far and Roberto Martinez wants to ease the pressure on the Argentinian[LNB]The Argentina Under-20 international spent last season on loan at Blackburn, and will join Wigan on a similar arrangement.[LNB]Martinez hopes the two new arrivals will help bring the best out of his £6million summer signing Mauro Boselli, who has struggled to make an impact so far. [LNB]Boselli, who had a 'goal' disallowed for offside against Chelsea, will welcome the arrival of some fellow Argentinians, with Franco having been Franco born there before becoming a Mexican citizen six years ago.[LNB]Meanwhile, Jason Scotland has joined Ipswich Town one a one-year deal for undisclosed fee and is likely to make his debut against Crewe on Tuesday.[LNB]The Trinidad and Tobago international said: 'I am delighted to have joined Ipswich and look forward to trying to help the club get into the Premier League.'  Wigan boss Martinez is on the brink after Chelsea maulingWigan 0 Chelsea 6: Martinez fears the worst after Blues smash another sixReleased defender Caldwell ready to swap Burnley for WiganWIGAN ATHLETIC FC

Source: Daily_Mail