Bolton sign defender Ream

Bolton Wanderers have signed central defender Tim Ream from MLS club New York Red Bulls for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old American has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Bolton following a successful trial period with the club earlier in the season.

Ream arrives at the Reebok Stadium following the departure of key defender Gary Cahill, who completed a move to Chelsea earlier this month.

“First and foremost we are absolutely delighted to secure Tim’s services,” Bolton manager Owen Coyle told the club’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 trialled 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.”

Ream expressed his delight at joining Bolton, adding that he had been hoping for a move to the Premier League and felt ‘really comfortable’ while on trial at the Reebok.

“I’d been waiting for a bit of paperwork to be completed and getting the work permit sorted was a huge relief,” he said. “I’m just delighted to be here and I’m glad I have been given this opportunity.”

“From the first day here I felt really comfortable. The gaffer said that I had nothing to prove and it was a chance to get to know the guys and the coaching staff, and that put me at ease from the very beginning.”

The Missouri-born centre-back will not be ready for action immediately, with the MLS season having concluded in November, but hopes to get back to match fitness as soon as possible to help Bolton in their fight against relegation.

“I’ve always been in pretty good condition, even when I have taken a few weeks off – that’s my forte. But I do have a couple of weeks to go until I am in tip-top game shape,” he said.

“The team is in a good run of form right now and I’m just looking to contribute in any way that I can.”