Bruce won't sign Zaki

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The 26-year-old had a blistering start to the season after joining from El Zamalek, with eight goals in his first 10 matches, but he has not scored from open play since mid-October and his last goal came on December 28.

"I've made my decision already, a letter has gone to his club, we will not be taking up the option to sign him when his loan ends," said the Latics boss.

"The writing has been on the wall for a while now but it's a shame, it really is.

"There was no doubt Zaki had the world at his feet last October when he scored those two goals against Liverpool at Anfield.

"He had a wonderful chance over here but he was badly advised I think, he listened to the wrong people.

"If he had listened to the people he should have done - his adviser is a decent fella - he would have been okay.

"It's a shame it's worked out this way, he set us on fire with those goals earlier in the season.

"But Zaki hasn't scored from open play since Liverpool. We've missed him in that respect, but there you go."

Bruce also has other major decisions to make as Zaki's compatriot and fellow striker Mido is coming to the end of his loan spell from Middlesbrough.