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Melchiot hopes Heskey stays

Image: Melchiot: Hopes Heskey stays

Wigan captain Mario Melchiot is hoping team-mate Emile Heskey will sign a new contract.

Latics skipper admits striker played in a role in his decision to join

Wigan Athletic captain Mario Melchiot is hoping team-mate Emile Heskey will sign a new contract at the club. Heskey's current deal expires at the end of the season and he is in no rush to commit his future to the Latics. He has been linked with a return to former club Liverpool, while Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly showing an interest. Dutch full-back Melchiot admits Heskey played a role in him joining Wigan last year and he would be disappointed to see the striker leave the JJB Stadium. "I don't want to say that it was only up to him that I'm playing for Wigan, but he was definitely one of the people that was involved in making me make the choice," Melchiot told Sky Sports News. "He was one of the players I spoke to and kept in contact with about how the team was doing."

Wait and see

Melchiot understands the England international's reasons for taking his time regarding his future with Steve Bruce's side. He added: "At the moment you understand that he has not said too much about it. "I spoke to him about it in the beginning and he just wants to wait and see what's going to happen as well towards this team and other interest that comes his way. "I have got to respect his way of thinking."

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