Bruce waits on Palacios deal

Palacios: Wanted by Wigan

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Steve Bruce is hopeful of finalising a deal to bring Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios to Wigan Athletic.

Palacios spent the first half of the season on loan at Birmingham City, having been brought to the Premier League by Bruce.

A reunion with Bruce at Wigan is now on the cards, with a three-and-a-half year contract understood to be on the table.

It was thought the £1million transfer from Olimpia would go through earlier in the week, with Latics boss Bruce still waiting to complete the deal.

Irons in the fire

"I received a phone call from his agent that Birmingham hadn't taken the option agreement up, so it's possible that could happen," Bruce told Sky Sports News.

"I'm in conversations with him now, but we've got one or two other irons in the fire.

"I do believe it's a difficult time and I won't just bring people in for the sake of it, but if somebody is there who can improve us and make us better, obviously we'll act."

Palacios was recommended to Bruce by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and the Wigan chief expects the 23-year-old to be capable of making an impact at the JJB.

Impressed

Bruce added: "I was very impressed with him. It was fortunate that Mr Wenger gave me a call about the player and I took him to Birmingham on loan.

"I was impressed with him, so much so that I gave him his debut at Liverpool and I thought he had a big future.

"Obviously, there was a change of manager, who has obviously not seen enough of him. That has opened the door for us a little bit and I'm pleasantly surprised it's happened.

"He will be a decent acquisition if we can pull it off."