Premier League defender back at Wigan Athletic

As first revealed by Wigan Today at the beginning of this month, the 23-year-old Newcastle United defender becomes Shaun Maloney's eighth summer signing.

And having helped Latics win the League One title in 2021-22, he can't wait to pick up where he left off.

“When it first came about, it was something that I was really looking forward to doing," he said.

"The last time I was here, it felt like home, so it’s nice to be back home!

“Last time I was here, I created memories that will last my whole career, and I’m wanting to make more memories in a Wigan shirt now.”

Watts is out of contract next summer, which means an impressive second spell with Latics could well lead to a permanent move.

“I’m really happy we’ve managed to secure Kell’s return," Latics boss Maloney said.

"A left-sided centre-back is a difficult profile to get, so he’s a really positive signing for us.

“Off the pitch, he’s the right type of character that we need, and he was extremely popular among staff and previous players during his last loan here.

“He’s a really important signing for us, and it’s taken us some time.

"But I really appreciate the work of Newcastle United and the people here at Wigan have done to get that through.”

Watts came through the ranks with the Magpies, but has made only one first-team appearance – a cameo off the bench against Liverpool in July 2020.

He’s spent the vast majority of his career out on loan, with Stevenage and Mansfield in 2019-20 and Plymouth in 2020-21, prior to his time with Latics and Peterborough in the last two years.

It’s understood the player has already completed his medical, and confirmation of the deal is expected over the next 24 hours.

Watts becomes the eighth arrival of the summer, joining Liam Morrison, Jonny Smith, Callum McManaman, Matt Smith, Sean Clare, James Balagizi and Liam Shaw through the door.