Wigan close to Bruce move

Steve Bruce could be unveiled as the new Wigan manager as early as today after making a verbal agreement with the Latics, who have already settled on a compensation package with Birmingham.

The former Manchester United defender last week emerged as the top target to replace the sacked Chris Hutchings and yesterday chairman Dave Whelan revealed a deal had been struck.

With the uncertainty surrounding Bruce’s situation at St Andrews – he was offered a new contract six months ago but it was not finalised because of an impending takeover of the club – Whelan made his move.

It has cost the Barclays Premier League’s second-bottom side the best part of £3m but the chairman believes it will be money well spent if Bruce, who has 19 months of his contract left at Birmingham, keeps them in the top flight for a third successive season.

“There is a clause in there and we have to honour that. We have agreed that with Birmingham,” said Whelan.

“To get a manager of Steve Bruce’s quality I think that is a bargain. We will have a meeting with Steve and we are hoping we can make an announcement on Monday or Tuesday.

“We look like we have a contract agreed but nothing has been signed. There is no doubt from the very start when we approached he was keen to come to Wigan.”

Wigan have taken advantage of the on-going takeover manoeuvrings at St Andrews to entice Bruce away from a job he held for six years.

Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung, who bought a 29.9% stake in the club in July, is believed to have asked for an extension to the December 20 deadline he was set to complete a deal as he is understood to be having trouble raising the necessary funds.

Bruce became increasingly frustrated as he was given no idea what transfer budget would be available in January.

He will treble his weekly earnings – currently around £15,000 – by agreeing a four-year contract at the JJB Stadium.

Once Bruce’s signature is secured the next hurdle will be to try to persuade Birmingham to allow his assistant Eric Black to join him at the JJB.

However, the St Andrews board are keen to retain the services of Black to ensure some continuity as plans for appointing Bruce’s replacement remain in the balance because of complications with the takeover.

“Eric Black has to be agreed between Steve and the (Birmingham) management,” explained Whelan.

“I understand Birmingham want some continuity. He wants to come with Steve because a team always stays together.

“Whether he will come immediately I don’t know. It is a mess when you are looking for a new manager. Everything is stirred up. It is never a happy time and the sooner it is over and Steve joins us I will be a very happy man.”