Wigan have signed Ipswich Town's Pat Webber following a successful trial period at the club, report the East Anglian Daily Times.

Ipswich activated the 12-month extension option in Webber's contract only two months ago so it is a somewhat surprising development, particularly as he has been allowed to leave for nothing.

It is believed the 20-year-old had trial periods with Millwall and Wigan last January, but it is only now that the Latics have decided to tie down the defender on a permanent basis.

Webber has made just eight senior appearances in his career so far, with his single appearance for The Tractor Boys coming in a League Cup defeat against Crystal Palace in 2017.

It is not yet clear whether Paul Cook will bring him straight into the first-team squad at Wigan, but he has signed two first-team left-backs this summer already to add to Danny Fox, so it is more likely that Webber will be regarded as one for the future.

The Verdict

It is surprising that this move has happened late in the summer and perhaps even more surprising that Ipswich have let him go despite wanting to keep him just a matter of weeks ago.

It is a great opportunity for Webber to impress in a new environment, and the fresh start could lead him to work harder and take a more determined approach in order to take the chance handed to him.

Cook must be a fan to reignite his interest months later, but since he is unlikely to get game time this season then a loan deal should be worked out for the foreseeable future.