Tottenham sign midfielder Palacios from Wigan

Tottenham Hotspur announced their second major deal of the transfer window yesterday when Honduras midfielder Wilson Palacios joined the London club from Premier League rivals Wigan Athletic.

Spurs, who signed Jermain Defoe from Portsmouth earlier this month, said on their website (www.tottenhamhotspur.co.uk) they were waiting for a work permit to finalise the deal.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan turned down an initial 10 million pounds ($14 million) bid for the player, who is widely estimated to have cost Spurs 14 million.

Wigan paid Honduran club Olimpia one million pounds for him a year ago. He also had a loan spell at Birmingham City, in Division One.

He is likely to make his debut in next week's Premier League match at home to Stoke City as he was ineligible for last night's League Cup semi-final against Burnley.

He will also not be able to play in Tottenham's FA Cup tie away at Manchester United on Saturday as he was in the losing Wigan Athletic team against Spurs in the third round on January 2.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will be hoping he will add some steel to his midfield as Spurs continue their fight against relegation.