Bolton Wanderers have completed the signing of defender Tim Ream from New York Red Bulls on a three-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old defender spent a week training with the club during the MLS off-season and has duly impressed manager Owen Coyle who was quick to identify Ream as a replacement for Gary Cahill.
"First and foremost we are absolutely delighted to secure Tim's services," read a statement from Owen Coyle on Bolton's official website.
"He is a US international, a player that year-on-year has progressed and got better, and he will continue to do that. He was trailed by a number of clubs, including West Brom and also Arsenal who tried to sign him in the summer, so it is great that he sees his future here.
"Tim is everything that we want in the players we are bringing to the club when we spend in the transfer market. He is young, has a tremendous attitude and a winning mentality.
"I know he will fit in well with the rest of the squad here at Bolton."
Coyle will hope that Ream can fill the void left by Cahill, who completed his £7million switch to Chelsea last week, as the club look to pull away from he relegation zone.
Ream, whose arrival is still subject to international clearance and immigration formalities, first signed for New York Red Bulls at the start of 2010 and quickly went to to establish himself as a regular first team player.
The central defender has played just under 60 times for the MLS outfit and has also made seven appearances for the US national teal since.
