Martinez hails Moses potential

Wigan have moved to boost their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League by snapping up Victor Moses on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The Latics are struggling in 14th place in the Premier League. They are just two points ahead of the bottom three and succumbed to a home defeat to Everton at the weekend.

Wigan’s Premier League odds suggest they are in something of a relegation scrap.

However, boss Roberto Martinez has bolstered his attacking options at the DW Stadium by signing the England Under-19 forward Moses from Crystal Palace.

The Eagles were forced to sell their prize asset after falling into administration and the striker said he was “sad” to leave the club he made his debut for aged 16.

Martinez is happy to have beaten off other clubs to sign the promising player and declared Moses as a “special talent” who can now “grow in the Premier League” and hopefully help Wigan pull away from the relegation dogfight.

The Spaniard said: “Victor is a real player in the making, and he now needs to show the right character and dedication to match his undoubted talent and I think he can make a terrific impact at Wigan Athletic over the coming months and years.”

Wigan fans were also boosted last week with the news that Maynor Figueroa had signed an extended contract at the DW Stadium despite being linked with a move to Premier League rivals Sunderland during the transfer window.

The football odds suggest Sunderland could also struggle to remain in the top flight this season, and a 0-0 draw against Stoke last night did the side no favours.