Middlesbrough transfer target, who was also linked with Leeds United and West Brom, signs for Bristol City

The 23-year-old central midfielder has penned a four-year deal at Ashton Gate, with Robins boss Dean Holden revealing: “we fought off competition from a number of big clubs.”

It was thought Williams had a 2.5million relegation release clause in his Wigan contract, yet it’s unclear if that figure was met.

Boro were said to be seriously interested in the player, while recently-promoted Leeds and West Brom have also been credited with interest.

City’s chief executive officer Mark Ashton said: “We are thrilled to welcome Joe as our first signing of the transfer window. Joe is young, but he has Championship experience and he impressed us during the time we watched him at both Bolton and Wigan.”

Robins head coach Holden added: “Joe is going to form a big part of our squad and so I’m delighted to have this opportunity to work with him, especially as we fought off competition from a number of big clubs.

“Joe is a quality passer of the ball, he is physical too and he has a winning mentality that is so important.”

The deal comes as another blow for Boro who have only made one signing this summer and seen several first-team players leave the Riverside.

Neil Warnock’s side are set to start their 2020/21 campaign against Shrewsbury in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday, September 5.

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