Egyptian international striker Amr Zaki is at the head of English Premiership side Wigan’s transfer list, Manager Steve Bruce said, indicating that his team was stepping up attempts to land the star Egyptian striker.
Zaki was a key fixture in Egypt capturing its second consecutive African Cup of Nations title in February in Ghana.
The Zamalek striker has netted 21 goals in only 40 international appearances.
According to reports, Wigan had launched an US$ 8 million bid to move the Egypt- based striker to England, but the offer was rejected.
Bruce said his squad was in need of a top scorer and he hopes that Zaki would fi ll that void, despite his club’s current fourth position on the English top flig h t table.
“Our top scorer this season is Marcus Bent with seven goals, with three of those coming in one game. Then we have players on five or six goals, so that really is an area we really need to improve on for the next season.”
The Wigan boss added that he believes “the most important thing for a club like ours is to get a striker who can make a difference – and that’s where I would spend the money if I could source one.”
If Zaki completes a move to England, he would be the second key Egyptian international to move to Europe this year. Goalkeeper Essam El Hadary moved to Swiss club FC Zion last month in a controversial transfer.
Hadary was scheduled to move to the Swiss club in March after walking out of his Egypt-based club Al Ahly, but then returned to Egypt, saying the move was a “mistake”. Only a few weeks later, however, the goalkeeper completed the transfer on a FIFA ruling that allows players to switch clubs despite contract obligations.
Ahly can appeal the decision to the world football body if it chooses. Panapress.
