Bolton have completed the signing of 24-year-old United States defender Tim Ream from New York Red Bulls for an undisclosed fee.
Ream has been linked with a move to the Reebok for some time and spent a week training with the club last year.
Ream's arrival, which is subject to international clearance and immigration formalities, comes just over a week after Gary Cahill sealed a switch to Chelsea and the 24-year-old will compete with the likes of Zat Knight and David Wheater for a place in the Wanderers starting XI.
"First and foremost we are absolutely delighted to secure Tim's services," Bolton manager Owen Coyle said.
"He is a US international, a player that year on year has progressed and got better and he will continue to do that. 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 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."
The defender has signed in the Major League Soccer off-season but Ream feels he will be able to battle for a spot in the first-team in the coming weeks.
He told the club's official website: "I've always been in pretty good condition, even when I have to take a few weels off - that's my forte.
"But I do have a couple of weeks to go until I am in tip-top game shape.
"The team is in a good run of form right now and I'm just looking to contribute in any way that I can."
Ream has been a key member of the Red Bulls side over the last two MLS seasons and has made seven appearances for the US national side.
The fee Bolton paid for his services has not be disclosed but numerous reports from both sides of the Atlantic suggest the Whites forked out somewhere in the region of £2million for the defender.