Source: Telegraph
Wigan sign Ben Watson from Crystal Palace
Honduras international midfielder Palacios joined Spurs last week in a deal believed to be worth around £14 million. [LNB]Bruce has now spent £2 million of that money on 23-year-old Watson, who was poised to join Middlesbrough until Wigan stepped in and offered a more lucrative contract. [LNB]England Under-21s midfielder Watson, who made 189 appearances for Palace, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Wigan. [LNB]Watson could make his debut in this week's match at home to title-chasing Liverpool, just under four years after he last played in the Premier League. [LNB]Bruce said: "We have been watching Ben for some time, and believe he has the maturity to step back to the highest level and make an impression. [LNB]"He's a midfielder who scores goals, has quick feet, plenty of power and is a terrific prospect. [LNB]"I wanted to move quickly to start filling the gap left by Wilson Palacios, and Ben is the start of that process."[LNB]After beating Gareth Southgate to the punch for a player who was due to be out of contract in the summer, Bruce added: "It speaks volumes about the progress of the club that we can compete with established Premier League clubs for players. [LNB]"I am delighted Ben has agreed to join us. I think our supporters will take to him quickly, because he's a real hundred percenter." [LNB]Southgate meanwhile has spoken of his disappointment having thought Middlesbrough had a done deal when Watson underwent a medical with the club last week. [LNB]"It's disappointing to see Ben go to Wigan because we have put a couple of months into trying to make it happen," he said. "I think he would have slotted in well here and I'm sure he would have enjoyed himself. [LNB]"But we have to move on. We are looking at other possibilities."[LNB]
