Wigan Athletic have signed Swiss international midfielder Reto Ziegler from Tottenham Hotspur on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old had been on loan at German club Hamburg this season, before returning to Spurs earlier this month in a move which disappointed the Bundesliga club.

“We would have liked to have kept Reto here,” admitted Hamburg sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorfer.

“But we must now just wish him all the best in his football.”

Ziegler has three caps for Switzerland and a regular run in the Wigan side will improve his chances of making the World Cup squad.

“We are delighted Reto has agreed to come on board,” Wigan manager Paul Jewell told the club’s website.

“He is a highly regarded player at Tottenham and will add competition to the squad here. He’s a strong six footer with a lot of pace and hunger and has packed a lot of experience into his short career so far. I’m sure the fans will take to him.”

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