Wigan Athletic’s Spanish manager Roberto Martinez has returned to his homeland to sign Albert Crusat from Almeria.

The Premier League club have paid an undisclosed fee for the ‘explosive player’, who has signed a two-year contract, which includes a year option.

Martinez told his club’s official website: “Albert is someone we have been trailing for a long time and it is fantastic news that we have managed to get him.

“He will add something completely new to the squad, he has electric speed, really quick feet and has played over 150 games in la Liga. He is an explosive player, who understands how to affect games with his attributes, having earned his long experience in such a competitive, tactical and demanding league as La Liga.

“He is compact physically, but has great upper body strength, and I am confident he can adapt quickly to the demands of the Barclays Premier League.

“I think our fans will take to him because he is a really exciting player, who can bring a crowd to their feet.”

Crusat added: “It has been a crazy few days but I am really looking forward to the challenge of playing in the English league now that everything has been done.

“Roberto Martinez has shown great faith in me and I am determined to prove him right. I can’t wait to meet my new team mates and get started.”

Wigan Athletic have taken Chelsea left-back Patrick Van Aanholt on loan for the coming season.

The 21-year-old Dutchman has previously had loan spells with Coventry City, Newcastle United and most recently, Leicester City.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez told his club’s official website: “Patrick is a player with enormous potential. Technically he is very gifted, very comfortable in possession and physically, he uses his intensity to defend very effectively.

“He can play left back or left wing back position and without a doubt he’s got a phenomenal career ahead of him and I hope he can settle in Wigan really quickly and start enjoying his football as a Latics player.

“We rate Patrick really highly and his professionalism and his personal attributes will be a huge asset to us this season.

“Like Tom Cleverley last year, he is a young player who is hungry to learn his trade and I feel both parties can benefit hugely from the move. We are delighted to welcome him on board.”

Wigan Athletic have snapped up Celtic forward Shaun Maloney for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old Scotland international has signed a contract at the DW Stadium until 2013, which includes an option for another year.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez told his club’s official website: “We’re delighted to welcome Shaun, who has great experience and is at the perfect age to come and bring something different to our squad.

“His previous experience in the Premier League will be a great platform to start his Wigan Athletic career, and now we want to make sure he enjoys that homely feeling at our football club to be able to bring his magic to our strong group of players.”

Maloney added: “As soon as I found out about the move I got excited. The gaffer likes to play the right way and there’s a tremendous squad here full of great potential.

“I need to focus on winning a place in the team and doing the best I can for the team.

“I want to thank everyone at Celtic which has been my life for so long now, and especially all the fans. But I’ve got an exciting challenge now and I can’t wait to get started.”

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder David Jones has found a new club for the coming season after signing up with Wigan Athletic on a Bosman free transfer.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez told his club’s official website: “Dave has connected well with the group [while on trial] during pre-season, he has a great attitude towards work and will certainly bring something different to the squad.

“Technically he is very gifted, shows good personality on the pitch and already has solid experience of the Barclays Premier League behind him, with the best years of his career still ahead.

“We’ve been impressed with the levels of his work in training and everyone’s excited to be welcoming him to our club.”

Jones added: “I’m delighted to have sorted out my future. Roberto Martinez is a great manager to work for, and I’ve loved every minute of training so far, I already feel settled here.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Wolves for their support when I was there and to say goodbye to a great set of fans there. But I’m a Wigan player now and I’m really looking forward to the new season and proving to the gaffer he has made a good choice.”