Chimbonda is now closing in on a move to Tottenham – according to the player’s representative Roger Boli.

The Frenchman is anxious to leave the club after just one season, but Jewell is demanding £6m (€8.79m) for his services.

“We are very close to finding an agreement,” Boli told skysports.com. “I am actually in England to finalise the deal.

“(Wigan manager) Paul Jewell doesn’t want an exchange – he is ready to let Pascal go. Everything should be sorted out within a couple of days.”

Jewell is pleased with his new recruit however. He told www.wiganlatics.co.uk: “We have been monitoring his progress for several months, and he is another really strong addition to the squad.

“He is going to fit in very well at Wigan.

“Emmerson is a player who loves to defend, and our fans will take to him because he’s a totally committed.

“He is very quick, very strong in the tackle and has proved he can perform at Premiership level.”

Boyce said: “To be back in the Premiership is brilliant – and although I’m sad to be leaving Palace, I’m delighted to be joining such an ambitious club as Wigan.

“I like what the manager has to say about his ambition, because it matches mine.

“Everyone in football knows about what the club did last season – it was one of the best stories in the game.

“I just can’t wait to get going now and get out on the training pitch.”

Boyce becomes Jewell’s sixth summer signing – joining Emile Heskey, Denny Landzaat, Fitz Hall, Chris Kirkland and youngster Tomasz Cywka at the JJB Stadium.