Bruce - Zaki deal in place

Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce has quelled fears that on-loan striker Amr Zaki could be snatched by a bigger club.

Zaki is on a season-long loan from Zamalek and the Egyptian has impressed in scoring five goals in as many games.

His eye-catching start in England has led to speculation that Wigan could face a battle to keep Zaki at the JJB Stadium.

But Latics boss Bruce has revealed that a deal is already in place to hang on to the striker and it is simply a case of when the Premier League club activate the transfer.

Reassuring

"There's a deal in place, which we're fortunate to have, that if he meets certain criteria then he is ours, which is very reassuring," said Bruce.

"The deal is ours if we want it. It's written in our way, but it's when we eventually sign him, that's the problem."

Bruce also praised Wigan chairman Dave Whelan for allowing him a free hand to pick out the players he needs to improve his squad.

"I know some managers envy me, absolutely envy me because of what I have here," added Bruce.

Dying breed

"Of course, the chairman has high demands because he wants his club to do well, but he lets you manage and pick the players.

"When I told him we were going to Egypt for Zaki, he just wanted to know about the player, and then he let me get on and do my job.

"In that way, I'm very, very grateful, and it sounds as if I'm a dying breed, which is pretty sad to be perfectly honest.

"The chairman lets me manage, and when I need to sign a player I ask him for the money, and it's either a yes or a no.

"Since I've been here, it's always been a yes. I hope that continues and we unearth a few more diamonds like Zaki, and that will keep the chairman very happy."

 

Source - Sky Sports