The former Chelsea and Birmingham player passed a medical and agreed personal terms.

Latics boss Chris Hutchings said: "Mario is someone we've been keen on for some time. He's an experienced and versatile player and he's another real quality addition to the squad."

Melchiot, capped by Holland 15 times, already has 230 Premier League appearances to his name and won the FA Cup in 2000 with Chelsea.

The Dutch defender was an ever-present for Rennes last season, helping them to fourth in the table and a UEFA Cup finish.

He joins fellow new arrivals Titus Bramble and Antoine Sibierski, who both signed from Newcastle, at the club.

European sides including Lyon, Paris St Germain, Marseille, Roma, Lazio and Olympiakos were all believed to be tracking the 30-year-old.