Zaki set to reign in King's place
Latics have taken a step closer to signing Amr Zaki and hope to complete a deal for the Egypt striker early next week.
Zaki flew into Manchester Airport yesterday before heading to Wigan for a medical and talks over his proposed one-year loan move from El Zamalek.
Negotiations with the player and his representatives were expected to be concluded today, ahead of the formalities and paperwork being finalised after the weekend.
The arrival of Zaki is likely to signal the exit of Marlon King. Derby want him on loan for the season, but a second club are believed to have entered the bidding and want to sign him in a permanent deal.
It's thought the Jamaica international was flying home from Latics' Austrian training camp today in order to speak to the interested clubs.
King only joined Wigan at the end of January in a 4m deal from Watford, although Latics only paid around 2m up front.
He struggled to make an impact, with his only goal in 15 appearances coming from the penalty spot at Blackburn in March.
Latics boss Steve Bruce is aware that if he completes the Zaki deal, and possibly brings in another striker – although reports of a 9m bid for Everton's Andy Johnson look to be wide of the mark – it will leave him top-heavy up front.
He also needs to watch the wage bill. The current forwards – King, Emile Heskey, Antoine Sibierski and Henri Camara – are among his top earners.
Click next page for more ...The chase for 25-year-old Zaki is now in its third month, with Bruce first making his move in May after Latics made sure of their Premier League status.
It has not been the easiest of transfers to negotiate, but an agreement seems to have been struck with Zamalek to pay a 1m loan fee for his services this season, with a view to a permanent 5m switch in a year's time.
Zaki, who has scored 27 goals in 48 games for Egypt, is excited by the challenge which lies ahead of him.
He said: "I'm very happy to be here and I hope to sign for Wigan.
"It was difficult for to come here as my club still wanted me.
"I watch all the Premier League and Championship games and think a loan would be good so I can prove myself.
"There's a big difference between English and Egyptian football, the competition and the players are tougher here."
Bruce is keeping abreast of negotiations with Zaki from Austria, keeping his fingers crossed he will become his third summer signing.
The squad had their first training session in Bleiberg yesterday, being
put through their paces by new fitness coach Will Royall.
Bruce again returned to Birmingham to recruit Royall, who was the Blues' academy fitness and conditioning coach.
He replaces Joey Gallanagh, who has returned to live in Australia after four years on the backroom staff.
Latics play their first pre-season friendly tomorrow, facing Austrian side FC St Veit (kick-off 5pm).
Meanwhile, Andreas Granqvist's 800,000 switch to Groningen officially went through yesterday, more than a week after the Dutch club
announced his signing.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wigan
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 3 mph
Wind direction: South
