Jamaican striker Marlon King has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Wigan Athletic, ending the speculation surrounding his future as a Watford player.

The deal was confirmed yesterday after the 27-year old King travelled to Wigan for talks with management there.

Several other English Premiership clubs, including Sunderland, Bolton and Middlesbrough, were reportedly in the hunt to sign the player but Wigan emerged as front runners to secure the top marksman.

"I just spoke to Steve Bruce and he made me feel very welcome," King confirmed to Sky Sports News.

"You look at the Wigan team and they have got a good chance of survival, and there is not much more to say than that."

King's new move comes after a £5 million deal collapsed after officials at the west London club learned the details of a two-day medical King underwent.

It showed a deterioration in the player's right knee which may be inoperable and could shorten his career.

King, who has denied having fitness issues, reiterated that was not the reason for the failure of the Fulham deal.

"I was down there and had a long medical, and for some reason it took a hitch and I think the two clubs were trying to renegotiate the fees which had nothing to do with me," King explained.

"I picked up the papers to see I had failed a medical, but I know my body is 110 per cent and I would like to say I didn't fail a medical. I have been playing for a season and a half now and scoring goals.

"Everybody knew about the knee injury I had, but I played every single game since I've been injured. To be told it could happen in three years, well in football, anything could happen."

He stressed: "I'm fit and well as far as I'm concerned, and as far as Wigan are concerned. I didn't fail a medical. I had one today and it went smoothly.

"I had been speaking to Fulham for the last week and a half and for whatever reason, it didn't happen. Steve Bruce made it clear he wanted me and I'm a Wigan player now."

King has already scored 11 goals for Championship Watford this season.