Football story by sport.co.uk, Tue, 19 May 2009 08:26:59 GMT



Blackburn Rovers head a list of Premiership clubs who are ready to take advantage of Wigan's decision not to sign Egyptian striker Amr Zaki on a permanent basis. Zaki's agent believes Wigan's decision is based on finance rather than the player's poor form and well-publicised failures to return on time from international duty."The problem is not based on Wigan's lack of interest from a footballing point of view as the coach (Steve Bruce) wants him in the team," claimed agent Nader Shawqi to Egyptian media. "The difference is about economics - Zaki wants progress on his contract and Wigan have said to him that that is impossible."



But Shawqi says Zaki could still be starring in England next season and added: "The player has possibilities to continue in England, since at least four Premier League clubs are interested. They have spoken to me and now it is up to them to negotiate with his club, Zamalek of Cairo."



The rumours in Egypt suggest Blackburn and Sunderland are leading the way for a player who made a sensational start on loan at Wigan after scoring ten goals in his first 16 games of the season. But he has not scored at all in 2009.