Wigan look set to tie up the transfer of Egypt striker Amr Zaki early next week, and are also tracking Paraguay ace Salvador Cabanas.Zaki, who currently plays for Cairo-based outfit Zamalek, was one of the stars of the 2008 African Nations Cup, in which Egypt retained their title.

Now 25, Zaki's only previous experience overseas came in 2006 when he joined Lokomotiv Moscow for a fee of around £1million. However, he failed to make a single appearance for the Russian Premier League club and returned to his homeland to play for Zamalek the same year.

Latics are expected to pay an initial £1.5million loan fee and will then have the option to buy Zaki for around £4.5million if he impresses in England.

Steve Bruce is also being linked with a swoop on Mexican side Club America for their Paraguayan star Cabanas - the reigning South American Footballer of the Year.

The 27-year-old, who is nicknamed 'The Bull', is the strike partner of Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz at international level, and Bruce believes Cabanas could prove just as successful in the north-west.

Reports indicate Wigan have already offered almost £5million for the player, but could face competition from a host from Spanish clubs.

Cabanas' agent Jose Maria Gonzalez is quoted as saying in the Wigan Observer: "There has been contact with Wigan.

"It would be a good move forward because he would love to test himself in the Premier League.

"Wigan are well established with a fine manager. We are thinking about it and we will see what develops.

"The Premier League is an incredibly exciting league and the world's best players are there."

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