Bolton boss Owen Coyle believes new signing Tim Ream can go on to establish himself as a top defender in the Premier League after completing his move to the Trotters from the New York Red Bulls for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old, who has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at The Reebok, has been tracked by Wanderers for the past 12 months but has finally joined in the current transfer window where he will be viewed as a replacement for Gary Cahill, who moved to Chelsea last week.

Ream’s arrival, which is subject to international clearance and immigration formalities, was welcomed by Coyle, who believes he has signed a quality player, who will only get better. Anyone looking at the Premier League online betting should remember this.

He said: “First and foremost we are absolutely delighted to secure Tim’s services. He is a US international, a player that year on year has progressed and got better, and he will continue to do that.”

Coyle also revealed Ream was a target for other Premier League clubs and Arsenal even tried to sign him in the summer but a deal never materialised – much to the Bolton boss’ delight.

“He was trailed 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 has been a key player for MLS side Red Bulls in the past couple of years and has also represented USA seven times, making his full debut against South Africa in 2010.

Ream may have to wait for the necessary formalities to be completed before he can make his Bolton bow so is unlikely to play against Swansea in the FA Cup on Saturday but could feature against Arsenal in the league next week.