Read more about Wigan Athletic.
Latics eye new target after deal blow
Wigan Athletic, 12:16, July 12, 2008 ,
Steve Bruce is ready to step up his attempts to sign Everton striker Andy Johnson after missing out on Honduras ace Hendry Thomas.
Bruce has made signing a striker one of his top priorities during the close season and has been linked with a £10 million-plus move for Johnson, who has also attracted interest from the likes of Sunderland and Aston Villa.
The Latics boss was poised to complete a move for Thomas after agreeing a £1.8m fee with South American club Olimpia, only for the move to collapse after the 23-year-old midfielder was refused a work permit, and he will now concentrate his efforts on bringing in a striker.
Bruce said on Thomas: "It's very disappointing. We tried to appeal against the decision but it's fallen on deaf ears. The player is totally devastated."
He added: "Our top scorer in the Premier League last season had seven goals. We have got to address that.
"Any Premier League club worth its weight has four or five strikers. I think they are the most important people in any team because they are the ones who can turn a match and win a game for you."