WANDERERS have beaten clubs from the Championship and the Premier League to the signing of Blackpool defender Alex Baptiste on a free transfer.

The 27-year-old defender had several options on the table, including newly-promoted Hull City, but it is understood that he has agreed a three-year deal with the Whites this morning, subject to a medical.

Baptiste – who skippered Blackpool last season and had the option of another year at Bloomfield Road – can play in a variety of positions across the back four, but primarily as a right back.