Wigan target SPL striker for offensive reinforcements
Reports are suggesting that Wigan Athletic may be the latest side to join the race for in-form Rangers striker, Nikica Jelavic.
The forward is currently understood to being monitored by Premier League rivals West Brom, Bolton and Wolves, who are all looking to correct wayward seasons.
The quartet are all performing disappointingly in the 2011-12 campaign and find themselves at the wrong end of the top flight table with a relegation fight currently on the hands of a few.
If first reports are true, the proposed deal is suspected to involve a £5m cash payment with Connor Sammon moving in the opposite direction to the Ibrox Stadium.
Wigan are currently relying on the likes of Franco di Santo, Sammon, Hugo Rodallega and Victor Moses for their goal supply but a difficult season’s start seems to be affecting the players.
Rodallega has experienced decent form in the English division in recent seasons – even being linked with a move to Arsenal at one point – however the Columbian can’t seem to rediscover his best form after a long-term injury in 2011.
Moses is a more immediate case in need of addressing as it’s understood that the 21 year-old refuses to pen a new deal at the DW Stadium and is seeking a move away.
Jelavic is a proven goalscorer in the Scottish Premier League and has bagged over 30 goals in just 54 appearances for Rangers since moving to the Glaswegians in 2010.
The Number Nine is also a Croatian international and has represented his nation on 17 occasions.
Although the deal is made sweeter by the prospect of a striker coming in the opposite direction straight away, it’s debatable whether Jelavic would opt for a move to the faltering Latics given their current predicament.
One thing for certain is that Roberto Martinez would find it a massive task to save Wigan through managerial prowess alone, and will be looking to make a big January signing to get their season on track.
