Germans go for Chucho

Wigan face competition from TSV Hoffenheim for the signature of red hot Ecuador striker Cristian 'Chucho' Benitez.

The 22-year-old currently plays for Mexican outfit Santos Laguna and was voted the Primera's best player this year, which has attracted Bruce who could lose both Amr Zaki and Emile Heskey at the end of the season.

Latics midfielder Luis Antonio Valencia, a former team-mate of Benitez, brought the manager's attention to the prolific forward and Bruce sent John Benson to central America recently to watch him action for his club.

Benitez would reportedly cost upwards of £6million but he possesses an impressive scoring record at club level, with 28 in 48, and international level, where he has bagged 17 in 20 for Ecuador.

But Hoffenheim, the surprise Bundesliga package who topped the table last month, are also said to be interested.