Vultures circling the JJB

Latics early season success in both the points accrued and the manner in which they were accrued has attracted a heightened interest in members of the squad.

This can only serve to unsettle both the players themselves and those aroud them and it is speculated that this is having a negative effect on the team.

The most obvious target is one in which we are powerless to influence and that is the permenant transfer of Amr Zaki to a Premier League club.Steve Bruce has confirmed than contrary top speculation we don't have first refusal on Amr which means that we wou;d have to enter a bidding war with Zamelek to secure his services.With Zamelek quite correctly wanting the bsst price for Zaki it remains to be seen whether Mr Whelan will sanction a move which could cost upwards of ten million pounds.

The next player being linked with a move is Emile Heskey. Heskey is out of contract in the summer and can negotiate with other club from January and move on a free next June. Heskey has said that no offer has been made to him but it is also being rumoured that his aspirations in terms of a financial package are beyond what Wigan are prepared to pay.

Wilson Placios is once again being touted in the media and being bound for a big four club. Wilson has looked jaded in several games this season and has lacked the spark of last season where he played a pivotal role in Wigan remaining in the Premeir League.

Other being linked with moves away are Scharner, Valencia and even the captain Melchiot.

As Steve Bruce tries to bring stability to the Latics this uncertainty must have a negative effect. It is to be hoped that espicially in the case of Zaki and Heskey a swift conclusion to their future employment can be achieved so we can move on as a club.