Wilson Palacios set to quit Blues for Wigan

Jan 7 2008 By Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

STEVE Bruce was today close to signing Wilson Palacios for Wigan Athletic in a £1million deal.

Blues had first option on the Honduran midfielder, but wanted another loan so new manager Alex McLeish could properly assess him.

Palacios and his agent pressed for a permanent transfer, and ex-Blues boss Bruce was naturally well aware of the situation.

Palacios' loan from Olimpia to Blues ended on January 2.

Bruce brought him to St Andrew's after a tip-off from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who gave him a trial but decided not to proceed because of the glut of quality midfielders he already has.

Bruce likened Palacios to a 'young Paul Ince' and he caught the eye after being given his debut in September.

But Palacios was back in Central America trying to help secure the release of his kidnapped brother when Bruce left and McLeish took over.

A visa problem also delayed his return to England.

So McLeish had little time to gauge Palacios' qualities and was eager to renew the loan to the end of the season, with a view to a permanent transfer.