Talks were continuing this morning between Sunderland and Steve Bruce as the two parties looked to thrash out the finer details of his appointment as manager.

Sunderland are hoping to confirm the appointment of Steve Bruce as manager within the next 48 hours after agreeing to meet Wigan’s demands for compensation.

Roberto Mancini claims he has been offered the chance to manage Sunderland.

Luis Antonio Valencia has insisted he knows nothing of a possible move to Manchester United and claims to be happy at Wigan.

Wigan 1 Portsmouth 0

Wigan winger Antonio Valencia is unlikely to get a farewell appearance against Portsmouth at the JJB Stadium on Sunday as he is struggling with a hamstring problem.

Wigan goalkeeper Mike Pollitt has agreed terms on a new 12-month contract at the JJB Stadium.

Wigan winger Antonio Valencia’s agent has claimed Real Madrid have made the first move in the bid to sign the Ecuador international.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce has confirmed he will not be making striker Amr Zaki’s loan deal permanent after experiencing a number of problems with the Egypt international.

WAYNE ROONEY was not at Manchester United in 2002 – but he has heard the song often enough to make sure he intends tomorrow to be payback time for Arsenal.

Michael Carrick is crossing his fingers a successful resolution can be reached in Carlos Tevez’s contract impasse.

Carlos Tevez looks certain to leave Old Trafford this summer after being caught in the crossfire between Manchester United and his advisor Kia Joorabchian.

CHANTS of ‘Fergie, Fergie sign him up” rang around the JJB Stadium as Carlos Tevez inspired Manchester United to a victory that leaves them just a point from retaining their title.

Patrice Evra insists Carlos Tevez will never disrespect Manchester United.

Wigan 0 Bolton 0

Wigan 1 Arsenal 4

Amr Zaki will not be involved in tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Arsenal at the JJB Stadium regardless of whether he is fit or not.

Amr Zaki’s agent Nader Shawky claims Wigan boss Steve Bruce wants to keep the striker at the JJB Stadium despite last week branding him the most unprofessional player he has ever worked with.

Everton manager David Moyes is keen to avenge one of his side’s most disappointing defeats of the season when Wigan visit Goodison Park tomorrow.

Wigan have confirmed the JJB Stadium will be renamed the DW Stadium from August 1.

Wigan 1 Hull 0

Hull manager Phil Brown made five changes for his side’s visit to face Wigan at the JJB Stadium.

Midfielder Charles N’Zogbia is in line for his Wigan debut against Fulham at the JJB Stadium tomorrow.

Joe Kinnear has accused Charles N’Zogbia of living “in a fantasy world” after the midfielder criticised the Newcastle boss’ managerial style.

HE’S STILL telling people he wants to concentrate on football. One day he may even mean it.

Charles N’Zogbia’s colourful Newcastle career has finally come to an end after his swap deal with Wigan’s Ryan Taylor was completed this afternoon.

Stoke have signed Wigan striker Henri Camara on loan until the end of the season.

ASTON Villa boss Martin O’Neill says Wigan counterpart Steve Bruce should take great credit for his part in the renaissance of striker Emile Heskey.

Xabi Alonso, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera are expected to return to Liverpool’s starting line-up for Sunday’s home Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea.

Robbie Keane’s immediate future is at Liverpool as the Anfield club continue their stuttering chase for three major honours.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is convinced Hugo Rodallega will be “a big player” for the club after finally completing a £4.5m move for the Colombia striker.

Middlesbrough were hoping to make a transfer breakthrough today as both Ben Watson and Marlon King arrived on Teesside.

HARRY REDKNAPP feels Honduras midfielder Wilson Palacios will bring a new dynamic to his Tottenham squad.

Tottenham have agreed terms with Wigan over the transfer of midfielder Wilson Palacios.

WILSON PALACIOS has undergone a medical ahead of his proposed transfer from Wigan to Tottenham for a fee of around £14 million (€15m).

TOTTENHAM boss Harry Redknapp is closing in on the signing of Wilson Palacios, and has been told Craig Bellamy wants to join him from West Ham.

Hull have completed the signing of winger Kevin Kilbane from Wigan for an undisclosed fee.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is adamant that Wilson Palacios will not leave the club on the cheap after rejecting a £10m bid from Tottenham Hotspur for the midfielder.

Hull are hoping to complete the signings of Wigan’s Kevin Kilbane and Luis Boa Morte of West Ham before the end of the week.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has accused some of his players of lacking the necessary character required for a relegation scrap.

Wigan 1 Tottenham 0

Jermain Defoe is set to feature against Wigan on Sunday after completing his move back to Tottenham from Portsmouth.

Wigan’s prospective new striker Hugo Rodallega is confident he will make a successful transition to the Premier League.

JERMAIN DEFOE has trained with his new Tottenham team-mates but the finishing touches are still being put on his return to White Hart Lane from Portsmouth.