Latics agree defender deal

Wigan defender Paul Scharner has signed a new two-year deal to finally end links with Fulham.

The Austrian has been mulling over his options all summer given the fact he was due to fall out of contract in 12 months.

Latics chief Steve Bruce always maintained he wanted the 28-year to stay and he has now got his wish.

"I have never hidden my ambition as a player," Scharner told the club's website. "That is what has been driving me forwards all my career. I believe that in order to progress you have to be totally dedicated to what you do.

"I feel that the club has really progressed over the last few months. They got the opportunity to appoint a really top coach and that is what happened when Steve arrived.

"Now I feel the club has another opportunity to really progress this season and I want to be a part of that."

The Cottagers have held a long-standing interest in Scharner but they must now move on to other targets.