Bruce confirms striker deal

Rodallega: Waiting on work permit

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Wigan manager Steve Bruce has confirmed the club are closing in on the signing of Colombia striker Hugo Rodallega.

Rodallega's Mexican club Necaxa revealed earlier this week the 23-year-old was due to join Wigan later this month.

Bruce has been trailing the highly-rated forward for some time and he has revealed he has applied for a work permit for Colombian international.

"We're close to it but, when you're dealing with someone from abroad, it is already racked with problems," Bruce told the Wigan Observer.

"But we are close to making that go through.

"We have to go and apply for a work permit - I believe that has been set for some time next week - and I believe that's on the agenda.

"I don't envisage there will be any problems - I hope not anyway, because he is an exceptional player in South America and will be an exceptional player for us.

Exciting player

"I hope we can tie it up. He is only 23 but he is an exciting, exciting player and it would be great if we could get him.

"He's fast, he's big, about 6ft 1in, he's good in the air, rangy rather than thick-set, can score a goal - he's just a genuine all-round striker.

"It would be really exciting if we can get him, so I hope we can. Fingers crossed."

Wigan are believed to be paying in the region of £4.5million for Rodallega and he is set to become Bruce's first signing of the January transfer window if he wins a work permit.