Striker scramble on cards

Egyptian giants Zamalek have sparked a scramble by claiming they're free to sell on-loan Latics striker Amr Zaki to the highest bidder.

Wigan are hoping to tie up the permanent signing of the 26-year-old frontman, who has settled in and scored eight Premier League goals already this season.

But Zamalek are determined to force an auction with Spurs and Liverpool among those clubs believed to have already expressed an interest in the hitman.

The Cairo club's statement read: "Amr Zaki has been in the limelight for a while, and the mass media have been fueling speculations over his next move and whether Wigan Athletic would let him seal a new deal or not and so forth.

"We hereby assure that we have the legal rights to either accept or reject offers for the aforementioned player, and no other club are authorised to interfere in potential negotiations.

"We would accept the highest bid for the player."