Dickov on his latest Latics signing
Paul Dickov believes new signing Cristian Montano will be a matchwinner for Latics.The Latics manager is delighted to have beaten off fierce competition to capture the 20-year-old forward from West Ham on a two-year contract.
Dickov has revealed Montano had also received offers from two clubs in Italy and one in the French First Division.
Montano, however, was sold on Latics having spent time at Boundary Park.
"It wasn't so much Cristian being on trial, but him coming in and getting a feel for the club and for us to do likewise," explained Dickov.
Latics' manager added that it had been no secret that he was looking to sign a left-sided player.
He also disclosed Montano, a player who has dual Colombian and British nationality, first came on to his radar last season while on loan at Notts County.
And of Montano's qualities, Dickov said: "Cristian is another piece of the jigsaw and a left-sided player who is quick and talented.
"He is left footed but can play on either wing and he loves to take on opponents and to get in crosses and shots. He can also play up front so he gives us lots of options.
"I gather he could have stayed at West Ham, but he was keen to move because of his wish to play football rather than being a squad player."
Dickov says the arrivals of Montano and Jonathan Grounds means his side has two natural left-footed players in the team for the first time and the balance, therefore, of the side is the best yet.
Montano spent the early part of the week with Latics playing in the reserve-team friendly against Newcastle United, but returned to West Ham on Wednesday.
He is joining up with the squad tonight at their hotel and Dickov says he has to decide whether he starts tomorrow's game or is on the bench.