Bruce closes on Egyptian

Zaki at the top of Wigan's summer wish list

Last updated: 6th May 2008

Amr Zaki Egypt

Zaki: Bruce left impressed

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Egypt striker Amr Zaki has emerged as a leading target for Wigan Athletic, according to widespread reports.

Latics boss Steve Bruce was in attendance to watch Zaki score twice on Monday evening as his club El Zamalek beat Aluminum 5-1 in a league fixture.

Bruce has made no secret of his desire to improve his firepower for next season and it is thought Zaki, the reported subject of a failed £4.1million bid in the January transfer window, fits Wigan's bill.

A record of 21 goals in 40 internationals points to the kind of goalscoring abilities Bruce craves, aware as he is that his current strikers have not delivered as he would have hoped.

"Our top scorer this season is Marcus Bent with seven goals, with three of those coming in one game," remarked Bruce.

"Then we have players on five and six goals, so that really is an area we really need to improve on for next season.

Striker target

"I think the most important thing for a club like ours is to get a striker who can make a difference - and that's where I would spend the money if I could source one."

Zaki's agent, Mohamed Saied, has confirmed Bruce has been impressed with what he has seen from his client to date.

"Bruce was impressed, he admires Zaki's technical and physical abilities," Saied told FilGoal.com.

"He believes Zaki can play in the Premiership and shine for Wigan."