Wigan hope to strike lucky with Egyptian forward

Wigan manager Steve Bruce has held talks with Zamalek over the possible signing of striker Amr Zaki, according to a member of the Egyptian club’s board.

Sabri Abou-Allam claims the terms of the transfer have all been agreed aside from the fee to be paid by the Premier League club.

The Latics are reported to have offered £4.2m for the Egypt international, 25, who has scored 21 goals in 40 appearances for his country, but Zamalek are holding out for something closer to their £6m valuation.

Wigan officials are expected back in Cairo on May 26 to thrash out a deal, a day after Zamalek face ENPPI in the Egyptian cup final.

“We had a meeting with Steve Bruce on Tuesday and we agreed terms,” Abou-Allam told www.filgoal.com.

“We discussed all the details but we haven’t agreed yet on the transfer fee.”

Bruce revealed earlier this week that he was desperate to add firepower to his squad after a season in which they have scored only 34 times in 37 league games - the second worst record in the top flight.

“Our top scorer this season is Marcus Bent with seven goals, with three of those coming in one game,” said 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.

“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.”