Zaki to Return For Showdown On Wednesday

Wigan Athletic and Egypt striker Amr Zaki is set to return to Wigan on Wednesday when he will meet with Steve Bruce for showdown talks over his future at the Latics.

Zaki will be accompanied by his agent, Nader Shawky, as they try to explain the happenings of the past few days and believe it or not Zaki still harbours a desire to make his move to Wigan a permanent one despite Newcastle United bidding £6 million to Zamalek on Saturday night.

Nader Shawky is trying to smooth over the troubles and told reporters:

'I had a phone conversation with Bruce Friday morning and am sure they still need to strike a permanent deal with Zaki'


Shawky feels the problem isn`t the fact that the Latics did or didn`t receive the medical report but more to do with Zaki not turning up on time from his international duties with Egypt, Shawky continued:

'I am working with my partner in the UK to solve the problem and am sure we will be met midway.

'Zaki's medical reports have been sent to Wigan. Obviously, Steve is angry at Zaki's absence - they [Wigan] wanted him to show on time, which he is absolutely right about.

'Bruce told me they need to get into the European arena and I am sure of Zaki's future with the Latics.'



Speaking on the matter Latics boss Steve Bruce confirmed that he had spoken to Zaki`s agent, Nader Shawky and said that he hoped to get the whole situation resolved and Bruce hinted that there maybe a problem with Zaki settling in the UK, Bruce said:

"We've had some contact with Zaki's agent who I have to say has been very respectful. But I find it just staggering that the club who pay his salary, and pay him very well too, and give him the chance in this country, have been shown so much disrespect.


"There's obviously a problem in him trying to settle over here. We won't know those problems until he comes back and I'll never shut the door fully on him. It's a real shame it's come to this, especially after the start he had.

"I just want to know what the situation is so that we can resolve it, but until he shows his face we won't know anything."



Lets hope this all gets sorted, following such a brilliant start to the season these last few days have left a sour taste, here`s hoping.




Latics Speyk Podcast 6 Now Available

This episode talks to Latics Speyk commentator and Latics fan Phil Mangan more commonly known on the Latics boards as sprayzen, amongst the topics discussed are Amr Zaki, Titus Bramble and the Everton game, there is also music from The Mamas and Papas, Rainbow, ELO and Howlin` Wolf.

If you subscribe to itunes you can download the Latics Speyk podcasts to listen to whenever you want, its easy, just load up your itunes then click the itunes store button on the left side of the screen…then click on podcast, type Wigan Athletic into the search and low and behold there we are, Latics Speyk, why not subscribe, its free and you will get notified as soon as each new episode is broadcast.


You can listen to the current episode of the podcast now by clicking on the player here:

For the very latest Premier League odds

Free £15 bet when you spend £5 on The New Football Pools




Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.