Latics step in for Scharner

Wigan have agreed a fee with Brann Bergen for Austrian defender Paul Scharner.

Birmingham had been tipped to win the race to sign the rugged Austrian after scouting him on a number of occasions, but it appears that The Latics have muscled ahead of them in the queue.

Wigan boss Paul Jewell has made it clear he wants to bring in three new faces in January and a fee has been agreed with Norwegian outfit Brann for Scharner.

"We accepted an offer from Wigan last night," confirmed Brann director Per-Ove Ludvigsen to Nettavisen. "We have agreed about the transfer fee. He will be going to England immediately.

"Paul wanted to get this chance and we felt it was right to sell him now."

Scharner will now get the chance to discuss terms with The Latics and seems certain to be plying his trade in The Premiership next term.

The defender, who can also operate in midfield, had claimed that Middlesbrough were considering signing him, while the news could force Birmingham's hand, and it is not cut and dried that Wigan will win the race.

Scharner, though, may be attracted by Wigan's position in The Premiership, as they are in a far better situation than second bottom Birmingham.