Soccer - Transfer news:Gary Caldwell has joined Wigan from Celtic on a four-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee, while three of his former team-mates, Barry Robson, Chris Killen and Dubliner Willo Flood, have joined Championship side Middlesbrough.
The 27-year-old Scotland international made over 151 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops – and scored seven goals - since joining from Hibernian in the summer of 2006.
Caldwell becomes Wigan’s third signing of the January transfer window following the captures of Vladimir Stojkovic and Steven Gohouri.
He won two Clydesdale Bank Premier League titles, one Scottish Cup and one League Cup during his three-and-a-half years at Parkhead.
The Stirling-born former Newcastle trainee was also named 2009 SPL Player of the Year.
He described leaving Celtic as a “wrench” but was lured by the prospect of playing in the Premier League and was persuaded to move to the DW Stadium by the enthusiasm and drive of Latics boss Roberto Martinez.
“The manager made it quite clear what his ambitions are for this club and how much he wanted to bring me here,” Caldwell told Wigan’s official website, www.wiganlatics.co.uk.
“To play in the Premier League has always been an ambition of mine but I know how tough it’s going to be to get in the side and I need to focus on winning a place and doing the best I can for my new club.
“It’s a massive wrench for me to leave a club like Celtic but I want to thank the club and all the fans for the support they’ve given me in my time there.
“But I’m a Wigan player now and I can’t wait to get started in the Premier League.”
Boro boss Gordon Strachan secured a triple transfer breakthrough after deals with the for former Celtic trio of Robson, Killen and Flood.
Robson has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the option of a further year after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee, while both Killen Flood have joined the Teessiders on free transfers.
Flood’s deal extends to June 2011 while Killen’s runs until the end of the current season.
Spurs agree terms with Sandro
Tottenham have agreed personal terms in principle with Internacional midfielder Sandro . The 20-year-old Brazilian will cost Spurs in the region of €7million.
Tottenham enjoy a strategic and sporting partnership with Internacional and are believed to have first option on the club's players.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has met with Internacional president Vittorio Piffero to discuss the move, with the player's lawyer Luiz Paulo Chignall confident a deal is close to being done.
"We have now agreed all of Sandro's personal terms - his salary, the length of his contract and so on, although nothing can yet be signed," said Chignall.
"Sandro is happy and ready to join Tottenham. We liked the offer. All that remains is for Tottenham and Inter to finalise the small details, including the transfer fee. I know that Daniel Levy is speaking to Vittorio Piffero."
Manager Harry Redknapp is hopeful of having the player at his disposal imminently but is leaving the negotiations to Levy.
"Whether it happens or not, I'm not sure. He has been speaking to the people there (at Internacional) and I know that he spoke to them again last week," said Redknapp.
A stumbling block could be Sandro’s lack of international appearances required to be granted a work permit in the United Kingdom. He has won just one cap for Brazil.
Another issue is third-party ownership, with Internacional holding only 70 per cent of his economic rights, with the remaining 30 per cent held by a third party.
Grant plays down Kaboul rumours
Avram Grant played down fresh speculation linking Younes Kaboul with a move away from cash-strapped Portsmouth after he played no part in the club's FA Cup third-round replay against Coventry last night.
The centre-back (24) was missing from Pompey's squad at the Ricoh Arena as Aaron Mokoena secured a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory with virtually the last touch of the ball.
Kaboul is arguably the club's biggest asset when it comes to wiping out some of their estimated €67million debt.
Sunderland and Lens are the latest sides to be linked with a move for the €8million-rated former Tottenham man, with Steve Bruce reported to have had a bid rejected yesterday. Kaboul agent's previously dismissed a move to Sunderland when the player was moving from Spurs to Portsmouth.
But with talk intensifying as to why he was absent at the Ricoh Arena, Grant insists it was down to a routine toe infection.
"He couldn't play, he was injured," said the Pompey boss. "Younes was injured, he tried and wanted to play but for him to play two games in four days is not good.
"But I think he will be available for Saturday."
Lazio deny Zarate Arsenal link
Lazio sporting director Igli Tare has brushed aside reports linking Mauro Zarate with a move to Arsenal .
The Argentinian striker is a reported target of the Gunners but the Biancoceleste are adamant they will not sell the 22-year-old.
When asked about Arsenal's reported €40million offer for Zarate, Tare told Corriere dello Sport: "It's only rumours, there is no truth.
"Lazio count on Zarate, who is a great champion."
Zarate spent last season on loan at Lazio, netting 13 goals in 36 appearances in the Serie A, before making his move permanent to the Eternal City in the summer.
The South American star has struck twice in 17 league appearances for Lazio.
