WIGAN Athletic are gearing up to make an improved offer for Southampton striker Brett Ormerod.

Latics boss Paul Jewell is preparing to target Ormerod after having a club record £2m bid for West Brom's Jason Roberts turned down by the Baggies board.

Ormerod is an Accrington lad who made his mark at Blackpool before joining Southampton in a £1.75m deal.

He is understood to welcome a return to the north west but Wigan could have to pay £2m-plus to prise him away from St Mary's.

Paul Jewell admitted his ongoing search for a top class striker to replace Geoff Horsfield was proving frustrating.

Drawing a blank

He said: "We have inquired after lots of players but every time we get a bit of light someone seems to close the door. It's not easy but we'll keep plugging away."

Jewell has also drawn a blank in his bid to sign Celtic winger Steve Guppy on loan until the end of the season.

Veteran star Andy Liddell misses tomorrow's home game with Millwall due to a calf injury but fullback Alan Rogers returns from injury.

Former Bury star Jason Jarrett is also expected to be recalled in mid-field after serving a one match ban.

Wigan aim to avenge a 2-0 defeat by Millwall on the opening day of the season.

Jewell added: "We didn't do ourselves justice in this one and we are very much the new boys on the block yet I believe you judge a team at the end of the season not the start."

LAST SEASON: Different divisions

Key Opponent: Neil Harris - a striker in form.

Prediction: Wigan 1 Millwall 1

BETFRED:

Wigan 10/11 Draw 9/4 Millwall 5/2

Correct Score
Wigan To Win
1-0 11/2
2-0 17/2
2-1 8/1
3-0 18/1
3-1 14/1
3-2 22/1

1st/Last Goalscorer In Match
Ellington 4/1
Liddle 6/1
Roberts 6/1
McCulloch 7/1
Bullard 8/1
Dinning 10/1
Kennedy 14/1
Teale 16/1
Jarrett 20/1

Other odds available on request. Prices subject to fluctuation. Ring BETFRED on 0800 73 11 210

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