James Perch: Newcastle United defender joins Wigan Athletic

Wigan have signed Newcastle defender James Perch for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old, who began his career at Nottingham Forest before joining the Magpies in 2010, has agreed a four-year contract with the FA Cup winners.

Mansfield-born Perch played 80 times for Newcastle, his only goal coming at Manchester United last season.

New Wigan manager Owen Coyle has now made four summer signings, with and Thomas Rogne all joining the Latics.

"It feels great to be here with a new challenge ahead of me, and I'm very excited at getting that started," Perch told the club website.

"The prospect of helping to get the team promoted was really appealing and I can't wait to meet the rest of the boys and get started.

"I think Wigan Athletic is a great club and after speaking with the manager, his ambition and determination to take the club back to the Premier League where it belongs is something I wanted to be a part of."