Latics swoop for defender Burn

The 24-year-old centre-back will officially join Latics next week when his Fulham contract expires.

And Caldwell, himself a veteran at the heart of the defence, reckons he has once again struck gold in the free-transfer market.

“Dan fits our profile exactly - young, hungry, experienced at this level and the desire to progress with us,” said the Latics boss.

“He is a powerful defender, but he likes to play as well and adds tremendous competition to the squad.”

Burn is the third new signing of the summer, after Stephen Warnock put pen to paper on a permanent deal after impressing on loan, and Alex Gilbey joined up from Colchester United.

The 6’6 defender, who hails from the North East, has experience of the Premier League during his time with the Cottagers.

He’s also spent time on loan at Birmingham City and Yeovil after coming through the ranks at Darlington.

Burn effectively takes the place in the squad of Leon Barnett, who was released earlier this summer.