Wigan Athletic Football Club News

• Nickname:Latics
• Founded:1932
• Manager:Roberto Martinez

• Ground:JJB Stadium
• Capacity:25,000

Latics lose out on Zaki deal

02 Jul 2008 - 12:14:43

Click To Enlarge

Wigan Athletic transfer target Amr Zaki has revealed his move to the JJB Stadium has collapsed after a threat of violence from the chairman of his current club.

Zaki, 25, was believed to be close to joining the Latics' ranks in a £1.5million deal from Egyptian club Zamelek.

However, the Egypt international striker claims he pulled out of the deal after being threatened by Zamelek chief Mamdouh Abba.

"He told me I could not leave and he got angry and swore," claimed Zaki. "Things got worse when his bodyguards were about to beat me up."

Zaki's agent, Nader Shawki, added: "I have never witnessed something like that in football.

"It's a shame to see such acts coming from the head of a big club like Zamalek."

Meanwhile, Paul Scharner is set to sign a contract extension ahead of the new season.

The Austria defender has been linked with moves to several other Premier League clubs but is poised to pledge his future to the Latics.