WIGAN ATHLETIC boss Paul Jewell has agreed a new five-year deal and will this week step up his efforts to bring former fans' favourite Nathan `Duke' Ellington back to the JJB Stadium.

Ellington, joined West Brom in a shock é3m deal but , is keen to return.

"I have said all along I am very happy at Wigan and enjoy my job," said Jewell who is also chasing West Brom's Zoltan Gera.

"It's tremendously challenging to manage at this level and the new season will be much tougher but we know what to expect."

Latics meanwhile are also in the market for Croatian World Cup star Niko Kranjcar who plays for Hajduk Split.

Kranjcar, 21, has won 23 caps.

Jewell monitored his form while in Germany and Wigan expect to be active on the transfer front in the next fortnight.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan looks forward to long-term success alongside Jewell who was linked with Newcastle and Middlesbrough towards the end of last season.

Wigan resume pre-season training this week and will have new first team coach Mark Seagraves, the former Manchester City and Bolton player, on board.

Would you like to see Ellington back at Wigan? Have your say.

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