WIGAN Athletic manager Paul Jewell is set to swoop for a top striker and a quality midfield playmaker when the transfer window reopens in January.

"It's only six or seven weeks before the window reopens and I have both eyes already firmly fixed on recruitment plans," he said.

"We have identified potential targets and we have a few irons in the fire as we look to target certain areas. You've always got to look to improve and you can never be satisfied with what you have."

Wigan are among a number of Premiership clubs to be linked with Preston North End's prolific marksman David Nugent, the former Bury player.

Sheffield United and Newcastle United have made no secret of their interest in Nugent and Wigan are monitoring the situation Jewell could also look to bolster his defence and John Benson and Bill Green have watched games in Spain, Denmark and Sweden.

Jewell's immediate concern is Sunday's clash with Aston Villa. He added: "Villa are a totally different proposition this season under Martin O'Neill.

Jewell hopes to have Emile Heskey back from a calf injury at the weekend after. The striker has undergone a scan and had injections.

Veteran skipper Arjan de Zeeuw is also being treated for a swollen foot, the big Dutchman had painkilling injections in the joint against Charlton at the weekend but came through.

Jewell said: "That's Arry for you. He just goes out there and gives everything."

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