FORMER Gravesend midfielder Jimmy Bullard will join Fulham in a deal worth £2.5million at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old Wigan midfielder will join up with the Cottagers after the final match of the campaign.

The deal came about after Fulham’s bid was enough to trigger an escape clause in Bullard’s contract.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell said: "I have always said there’s no point in keeping unhappy players, or at least players who want to move. The timing is not the best but Fulham wanted to move quickly and not lose their man."

Bullard started his career at Gravesend before moving to West Ham in a deal worth £30,000 in 1998.

A move to Peterborough led to Wigan spending £275,000 on him in 2003 and he was an ever present for the Latics as they gained promotion to the Premiership in the 2004/2005 season.

He has won rave reviews for his consistent performances during Wigan's first top flight season this year.