Melchiot to leave Rennes

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Rennes have confirmed Mario Melchiot will be leaving the club, amid reports Wigan Athletic want to bring the defender back to the Premiership.

Melchiot only joined Rennes from Birmingham City 12 months ago and started 30 games in Ligue 1 last season.

But he has rejected a contract extension and has been linked with a clutch of clubs as he considers his next move.

Rennes coach Pierre Dreossi told Ouest France: "Mario will take another direction, he will not continue with us."

Widespread reports have claimed the Dutch full-back will join Wigan on a free transfer, with Latics boss Chris Hutchings confirming he has another new signing lined up.

Hutchings told the club's official website: "We've been working really hard and it's been a good few days, and I hope to have some more good news very soon, hopefully by the end of the week.

"At this stage I'm not going to go any further as we still have a little way to go and there is still some more talking to do.

"I'm not prepared to talk names until a deal is signed, sealed and delivered. Needless to say people can speculate, but I'm confident we won't have to wait that long before we can make an announcement."

Former Chelsea defender Melchiot has also been linked with the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle United, Lens, Marseille and Monaco.

Source: Skysports

[hanuma]

Ha. Mario's taking the piss. He's actually just travelling, using football as a vehicle for free money and accommodation.

[alansmithy14]

Originally Posted by hanuma

Ha. Mario's taking the piss. He's actually just travelling, using football as a vehicle for free money and accommodation.

probably is hes a bum

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Wigan wrap up Melchiot deal

Wigan Athletic have confirmed the signing of former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot.

The Dutchman has joined the Latics on a free transfer after rejecting a new contract at French side Rennes.

Melchiot only linked up with Rennes 12 months ago from Birmingham City, but has opted for a quick return to the Premier League.

He had options to remain in France with champions Lyon, Marseille and Paris Saint Germain, while Greek giants Olympiakos also showed an interest.

Italian rivals Lazio and Roma also offered Melchiot a deal, but the full-back explained his reasons for choosing Wigan.

"Sometimes it boils down to just how much effort someone puts in to get you," said Melchiot in the Sun.

"I was impressed by how hard Wigan pushed. You can see what the ambition is like here."

Melchiot becomes Wigan's third signing of the summer, with Titus Bramble and Antoine Sibierski having arrived for nothing from Newcastle United.

Latics manager Chris Hutchings was happy to add Melchiot's experience to his squad as he looks to avoid another season of struggle.

Hutchings told the club's official website: "Mario is someone we've been keen on for some time.

"He's an experienced and versatile player, and he's another real quality addition to the squad."

Source: Skysports

[alansmithy14]

to bad hes a crap player