Wigan close to Bruce move

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The former Manchester United defender last week emerged as the top target to replace the sacked Chris Hutchings and on Sunday chairman Dave Whelan revealed a deal had been struck.

"We will have a meeting with Steve and we are hoping we can make an announcement on Monday or Tuesday." said Whelan.

With the uncertainty surrounding Bruce's situation at St Andrews - he was offered a new contract six months ago but it was not finalised because of an impending takeover of the club - Whelan made his move.

It has cost the Barclays Premier League's second-bottom side the best part of £3million but the chairman believes it will be money well spent if Bruce, who has 19 months of his contract left at Birmingham, keeps them in the top flight for a third successive season.

"There is a clause in there and we have to honour that. We have agreed that with Birmingham," added Whelan.

"To get a manager of Steve Bruce's quality I think that is a bargain. We look like we have a contract agreed but nothing has been signed. There is no doubt from the very start when we approached he was keen to come to Wigan."

Wigan have taken advantage of the on-going takeover manoeuvrings at St Andrews to entice Bruce away from a job he held for six years.

Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung, who bought a 29.9% stake in the club in July, is believed to have asked for an extension to the December 20 deadline he was set to complete a deal as he is understood to be having trouble raising the necessary funds.

Bruce became increasingly frustrated as he was given no idea what transfer budget would be available in January.