Latics hopeful over Hughes deal

Oldham Athletic are hopeful of completing a move for Mark Hughes in the not too distant future.

The Ulsterman has been on-loan at Boundary Park from Tottenham since late November and has impressed with a series of solid displays.

Spurs boss Martin Jol has indicated that Hughes will not be offered fresh terms at White Hart Lane and The Latics are hopeful of concluding a deal to keep the player on a permanent basis.

''We're trying to get Hughes to convert from a loan to full-time,'' Oldham boss Brian Talbot told the club's official website.

''Hopefully that can be done next week. If he agrees, that'll release another loan for me if I need one or can get one.''

Meanwhile, Talbot has rubbished suggestions that Scott Vernon is set to leave the club for fellow League One strugglers Blackpool.

Pool boss Colin Hendry is keen to sign the player on a permanent basis after Vernon impressed during a loan spell earlier in the season.

However, Talbot insists that the promising striker still has a role to play at his present employers.

''He's a young player, he's learning, he scores goals,'' continued Talbot.

''We've got to see how he develops but I don't see there's any sense in letting Scott Vernon leave the club.''