WIGAN Athletic boss Paul Jewell is prepared to splash out a club record £7.5m to land Turkish striker Fatih Tekke.

Wigan are among a number of Premiership clubs chasing the Trabzonspor striker who tops Jewell's wanted list.

Jewell has spent the last 24-hours trying to finalise the deal and he knows a proven striker to replace Nathan `Duke' Ellington is a priority ahead of today's transfer deadline.

Chairman Dave Whelan has also checked out Tekke and has hit back at a section of fans that have been criticising Jewell's recruitment policy.

Whelan says: "People just don't seem to realise how difficult it is and what it takes to sign players.

Sources

"Paul will only bring in players who can improve the squad and we will not buy for buyings sake."

Chief scout David Hamilton has been running the rule over Leicester City striker David Connolly.

Wigan have also checked out Tranmere's Canadian international Iain Hume while sources in Yorkshire report interest in Leeds United midfielder Erik Bakke, who has been linked with a move to Aston Villa.

Wigan boss Jewell wants to bring in two players to bolster Wigan's survival hopes.

Wigan have also spoken to Chelsea about the possibility of taking young striker Lassina Diarra on loan but this appears to be a non -starter.

Robbie Blake, who was linked with Wigan while at Burnley, is said to be unsettled at Leeds and this is another option open to Jewell.

What do you think of Wigan's signings? Have your say.

Tweet