Last Updated: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:11
Wigan are reportedly favourites to beat off competition from Sunderland and sign Honduras international Johnny Palacios.
Reports indicate that Wigan sent scouts to watch the defender, younger brother of former Latics star Wilson Palacios, play for his country during their 2-1 friendly defeat to Peru last Wednesday.
Wigan director of football John Benson made the trip to America to watch the game, but he wasn't the only representative from the Premier League there as Sunderland boss Steve Bruce also dispatched scouts to have a look at Palacios.
Despite interest from the Black Cats Wigan are still confident they can secure the signing of Palacios and continue their long standing link with Honduran players.