Wigan land Lopez

Wigan have confirmed the signing of Adrian Lopez after receiving international clearance for the Spain Under-21 defender to play in England.

The 23-year-old exercised his option to move as a free agent after his contract at Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna expired at the end of last season, and has now been given the go-ahead from world governing body FIFA.

Lopez, also known by his nickname of 'Piscu' in Spain, has penned a deal which will keep him at the DW Stadium for the rest of the season.

Manager Roberto Martinez told www.wiganlatics.co.uk: "We've been waiting a while for the FIFA resolution.

"And it's great to see Adrian's desire to play for Wigan Athletic can finally be fulfilled.

"He is a player with a fantastic football education, coming through the ranks of Deportivo La Coruna and playing for Spain at Under-19 and Under-21 level, which gives him a unique development, and makes him a defender with real potential.

"He is a defender who is very calm under pressure, and is a great reader of the game, and I am confident he will be able to fulfil his potential at Wigan. He is desperate to help the squad to win games for Wigan Athletic."

The 6ft defender has played 23 times in La Liga and 16 times in cup competitions for Deportivo.

Lopez, who came through the ranks at the Riazor and broke into the first team in 2007, has been allocated squad number 24 for Wigan.