Bruce expects departures

Bruce: Wants competition for places

Steve Bruce admits there could be a number of players leaving Wigan this summer.

The Latics boss is keen to retain the services of as many members of his squad as possible, but is realistic enough to accept that he may be forced to let some go.

Striker Marlon King is currently negotiating a move to Premier League new boys Hull, with a £3million deal seemingly on the cards.

David Cotterill, Ryan Taylor and Michael Brown have also been linked with moves away from JJB Stadium, and could be on their way before the new season gets underway.

Greedy

Having brought five new faces into the club during the close season much of Bruce's energies have been spent on bolstering his squad, but he admits that departures would appear to be inevitable.

"The competition for places is great, and we need that in the Premier League," he told the Wigan Evening Post.

"When it comes to possibly selling players, you can never say never, although us managers are greedy and you never really like to let anyone go.

"Sometimes you accept an offer which is good for the club and the player, but I hope not to be doing that too often."