Bent to make Latics deal permanent

Striker Marcus Bent is poised to sign a long-term deal with Wigan.

Bent scored seven goals for the Latics during a season-long loan from Charlton, and is now ready to make the move permanent.

A fee of around £1m has already been agreed between the two clubs for Bent, who celebrates his 30th birthday on Monday.

“We just need to sort the personal terms. The contract is there and I am very happy to come to Wigan,” said Bent.

“This is the club I want to stay at and hopefully the manager will soon be talking to my agent and we can sort things out.”

Goalkeeper Carlo Nash and winger David Cotterill look set to leave the JJB Stadium if Stoke and Sheffield United can agree deals.

Nash was third choice for the Latics last season before joining Stoke on loan in March, playing the final 10 games to help them win promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

Cotterill was also a prominent figure for the Blades following his loan move in February, starting 15 of 16 games as manager Kevin Blackwell’s side just missed out on a play-off place.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce said: “I’ve indicated if they (Stoke and Sheffield United) want to make it permanent then I will listen and see what develops.

“But we need three goalkeepers, so if something happens with Nash, I’ll need to bring another in.”

Second-choice keeper Mike Pollitt, meanwhile, is on the brink of signing a one-year extension.

Although Pollitt made only three appearances last season due to the form and fitness of Chris Kirkland, he is happy to remain.

Pollitt told the Wigan Evening Post: “The club want to speak to my agent, so hopefully things should get sorted out soon.

“I want to stay, I like it here, so I’ll see what the offer is like and make up my mind.

“As long as I’m involved in the first-team squad and have a chance of playing at some stage, I’ll be okay.”