Skoko Signs

Last updated : 10 August 2005 By Paul Farrington

Josip Skoko

It has been reported since mid July that Paul Jewell had been keen on the midfielder and the move has finally come off subject to a work permit being granted. He will not be able to play in the Chelsea game but club officials are hopeful that the permit can be granted in time for the trip to Charlton.

Skoko has plenty of experience and with 41 international caps, a work permit should not prove too troublesome.

Meanwhile the club have re-opened talks with the Duke over a new contract. The 24 year old striker is out of contract at the end of the season and has been the subject of an approach from Bryan Robson’s West Brom.

Latics boss Paul Jewell does not foresee a problem with the talks. He told the Wigan Observer: “We’re meeting with the Duke’s agent on Wednesday to discuss a new deal and I don’t think we’re too far away.”

Whilst the Duke himself is looking forward to the new season, he added: “There’s no fear going into the Chelsea game or any other – we’ll treat any match this season the same.

“We’re going in to win it and we all believe we can cause an upset and get off to a winning start.”