Bruce Bullish Over Zaki As Madrid Join Hunt

The form of Amr Zaki is starting to worry Wigan boss Steve Bruce.

The Egyptian striker, one of the hottest breakthrough stars in the Premier League this term, has been deadly in the early weeks of the season. His stunning double against Liverpool at Anfield, in particular, has made Europe's elite clubs sit up and take notice.

Cash-rich Manchester City are said to be leading the race to sign the player, on loan at the JJB from Zamalek. However, Real Madrid have now reportedly joined the race.

The Daily Telegraph claims that the Spanish giants are ready to take the forward to the Bernabeu and don't expect his brief association with the Latics to pose a problem.

Gaffer Bruce is perturbed by the recent transfer speculation. Zaki was a long-term target for the club, who finally bagged him in the summer after a long pursuit, unchallenged by the European big-guns.

Bruce has moved to clarify Zaki's situation, saying: "I want to put the record straight because, at the minute, everyone wants a piece of the fellow. The truth of the matter is he is on loan with us until June - that's a fact.

"Over the next few weeks, or however long it takes, we will try and open negotiations with Zamalek and do everything in our power to try and make sure he stays here. The better he does the bigger the transfer fee, obviously.

"He's our player, so we're in the driving seat, but we haven't got first refusal. Still, I know the chairman thinks the world of him, so we will try to strike a deal."

Beating himself up for not snapping up Zaki for good when he had the chance, rather than merely thrusting him into the spotlight, Bruce added: "With hindsight it would have been nice for him to have been ours, but at least we've still got a chance."


Lewis looks to help reeling Galaxy
Acuña Close To Madrid Move
Madrid Seek Defensive Depth - Report