Last Updated: Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:25
Steve Bruce is "hopeful" Wigan will wrap up the transfer window signing of young Colombia striker Hugo Rodallega next week.
Latics have reached an agreement with the highly-rated 23-year-old's Mexican club Necaxa and are now in the stage of applying for a work permit ahead of a JJB medical.
"We are applying for a work permit next week and we hope that he will come through that," Bruce told Sky Sports News.
"It is not all signed, sealed and delivered yet. It is still very early but we are hopeful he will be our player."
He added: "We have agreed personal terms, we have agreed terms with the club, but obviously we have to get the work permit and he has to have a medical.
"We will know a bit more on Monday but we are very hopeful he will get his permit."