Latics 'close to Ruben signing'

Villarreal expect Marco Ruben's transfer to Wigan to be completed on Tuesday.

The clubs have reached a preliminary agreement for the Argentinian striker to join the Barclays Premier League club.

"Ruben is already in England and we expect his transfer to be completed either this morning or later today," Villarreal's press officer Hernan Sanz said on Tuesday.

"The clubs have reached an agreement and all that is needed is for the player to put pen to paper."

The Spanish outfit did not reveal the transfer fee although reports claim the 23-year-old will join Wigan in a £7million deal, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Ruben himself as already given a farewell interview with Villarreal's website, saying he was quickly able to agree terms with Wigan.

"I found out eight or nine days ago, and since then the club have continued with negotiations with my agent and he told me it was done and all that was needed was my signature," Ruben said.

"I am happy to take this opportunity because it is a good coach (Roberto Martinez) and a great team."

Ruben joined Villarreal from River Plate in January 2008, but he has never played for the first team, being first loaned to Recreativo Huelva for 18 months, before this year being assigned to Villarreal B, for whom he has scored nine goals this season.

Ruben's signing could signal the end of Jason Scotland's unimpressive spell at Wigan since he followed manager Martinez from Swansea in the summer.