Bruce hopeful on Rodallega

Latics close on Colombian

Last updated: 9th January 2009

Bruce hopeful on Rodallega

Bruce: Optimistic

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Steve Bruce is confident Wigan will complete the signing of Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega.

The highly-rated 23-year-old is set to move to the JJB Stadium after Wigan struck a deal with his Mexican club Necaxa earlier this week.

Personal terms have also been agreed and Bruce will discover in the next few days whether Rodallega will be granted a work permit.

Bruce accepts that there is still a lot of work to do for the transfer to become official but he does not anticipate any problems.

"We are applying for a work permit next week and we hope that he will come through that," the Latics manager told Sky Sports News.

"It is not all signed, sealed and delivered yet. It is still very early but we are hopeful he will be our player.

Fantastic addition

"We have agreed personal terms, we have agreed terms with the club, but obviously we have to get the work permit and he has to have a medical.

"We will know a bit more on Monday but we are very hopeful he will get his permit."

Wigan have impressed during the first half of the season but Bruce believes it is important to strengthen during the transfer window.

He added: "If we can bring him in then he would be a fantastic addition to the squad.

"I am very pleased with the squad I have but we are just a little short of numbers so he would be a big boost."