Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan said yesterday that he had agreed a deal to bring Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce to the JJB Stadium.

Whelan told Sky Sports News that he had agreed to pay Premier League rivals Birmingham City £3 million in compensation to secure the services of the former Manchester United defender, who had been in charge at St Andrews for almost six years.

Bruce replaces Chris Hutchings, who was sacked earlier this month after 13 games in charge.

Whelan said Bruce became his first choice after Hutchings's predecessor Paul Jewell turned down to return to the job he left at the end of last season.

"I'm delighted we've got him, he is one of the best young managers in the land and will bring enthusiasm, knowledge and spirit to our team," Whelan said.

"It's a big loss for Birmingham and a fantastic signing for Wigan Athletic.

"We've got a good team, we've now got a brilliant manager and with Steve Bruce, Wigan Athletic will become again a fighting team in the Premier League."

Whelan said he was confident that Bruce's assistant Eric Black would follow him to the north west but said he might stay at Birmingham for one or two weeks to help the club through as they sought a new manager.

Bruce had been unsettled at Birmingham with his future uncertain as the club is involved in a long-running takeover bid.

He previously had eight games in charge of Wigan in 2001 before walking out to join Crystal Palace.