Wigan confirm Paul Scharner loan deal from Hamburg

Wigan have confirmed the loan signing of centre-back Paul Scharner until the end of the season.

Austria international Scharner, 32, arrives from German side Hamburg having played for Wigan from 2006 until 2010.

"It really is fantastic to be back," said Scharner, who becomes Wigan's fourth signing this January.

Meanwhile, boss Roberto Martinez says it is unlikely Wigan will sign Aiden McGeady, despite being heavily linked with the Republic of Ireland winger.

Scharner initially joined Wigan from Norwegian side SK Brann and went on to play in the 2006 League Cup final defeat against Manchester United.

He joined West Brom on a two-year contract in 2010, before moving to Germany in the summer of 2012.

But Scharner has struggled to make an impact in the Bundesliga and will now be heading back to England.

"Wigan will always have a big place in my heart, so to be asked to come back and help the team now is something really special for me," he added.

But while Scharner arrives, a deal for McGeady looks less likely.

It was reported Wigan had agreed a fee with Spartak Moscow for the 26-year-old, but Martinez says that is wide of the mark.

"It's not going to happen," said Martinez.

"Aiden is a phenomenal footballer, but is a footballer that is playing his football in Russia. I don't think that's going to change."