Latics have added more young talent to their squad after completing the signing of ex-Manchester United David Williams.

Williams, 17, was released by the Old Trafford outfit at the tail end of last season and has signed his first professional contract at Boundary Park.

The deal runs until the end of the 2008/09 campaign as Athletic hand a second chance to the player, who succumbed to an unfortunate injury during a trial last season.

Williams was due to line up for the youth team towards the end of 2007/08 only to succumb to a knee injury just before taking to the field.

The problem required an operation, and the frontman is now following a recovery programme with club physios Marc Czuczman and Jon Guy.

The youngster - who has been on the club's radar for a number of months - will be unavailable for another six weeks. 

However, the club felt the player's potential was enough to warrant a permanent deal.

Upon returning, he will eventually compete with established strikers Lee Hughes, Craig Davies, Chris O'Grady, Lewis Alessandra, Deane Smalley and Matty Wolfenden for a spot up front.

Williams is the club's sixth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Kieran Lee, Greg Fleming, Chris O'Grady, Dale Stephens and Danny Whitaker.

Latics World subscribers will be able to access an exclusive interview with the new signing later today.