Paper Talk: Latics link to Greek keeper

Last updated : 24 May 2005 By Wigan Evening Post.
Konstantopoulos: A Target?
It is no secret he wants a third keeper on the books for their top flight bow, with John Filan and Gary Walsh already in place.

Filan will be first choice, as he has been for the past three-and-a-half years, while Walsh is expected to combine a support role with a coaching job.

That leaves a vacancy for a younger keeper to press Filan, and Konstantopoulos is one of those in the frame after some impressive performances for Hartlepool.

He helped them to this weekend's play-off final by making a couple of crucial saves in their penalty shoot-out win over Tranmere.

But if they miss out on promotion against Sheffield Wednesday at the Millennium Stadium, the Teessiders might be tempted to cash in.

A new keeper is not the only position on Jewell's shopping list this summer as he aims to strengthen the squad in time for the start of the Premiership season on August 13.

There may be some transfer movement soon as Jewell, Dave Whelan and club officials are now back from their club holiday in Barbados.

Plans were put into place during the week in the sun, with targets and budgets discussed in detail.

A contract extension for Jewell was under discussion and news should emerge soon.

The retained list should also be officially announced this week, although it is widely known Paul Mitchell and Gareth Whalley have been released, with Steve McMillan, Gary Teale, Jason Jarrett and Gary Walsh offered new deals.

Elsewhere, young striker Magno Vieira has expressed a desire to extend his stay with Carlisle United.

The 20-year-old Brazilian spent most of the season on loan with the Cumbrians, helping them win promotion back to the Football League via the Conference play-offs.

He's now back in Wigan but his chances of making the first team next term are slim with Jewell set to buy another striker to complement Nathan Ellington, Jason Roberts and David Graham.

It could be that Latics agree to another loan so they can monitor his development before deciding his long-term future.

Vieira said: "I'd be more than happy if the clubs can agree something because it was brilliant at Carlisle.

"Winning the play-off final was special as it is the first time I have won something as a professional player."

Meanwhile, Lee McCulloch was linking up with the Scotland squad today ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Belarus next month.