Roberto Martinez admits Wigan have pulled out of a deal to sign Marcelo Moreno permanently.
Latics priced out of move for Bolivia international
Roberto Martinez admits that Wigan have pulled out of a deal to sign striker Marcelo Moreno permanently.
The Brazil-born Bolivia international joined the Latics on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk in January and despite failing to score in 12 Premier League appearances still impressed the Latics staff.
A fee was pencilled in should Wigan want to make the deal permanent but Martinez now believes the figure is too high for the club's renewed transfer budget.
The Spaniard understands that having shelled out €12million on the former Cruzeiro ace in summer 2008 Shakhtar are looking to recoup some of their investment, with reports that a club in Brazil have made a substantial offer for the frontman.
"There are massive implications to think about if we want to sign Marcelo," he told the
Evening Post.
Big offer
"He cost Shakhtar around €12million and I know they have received a big offer recently from a club in Brazil.
"I have spoken to Shakhtar and we're going to keep in touch, but I'm sure they will want to pursue the best financial offer that they receive.
"In terms of the future, it's very difficult to know what Shakhtar will decide, because they have the main say on the matter.
"We had the opportunity to make the deal permanent, but financially we could not meet the kind of valuation that they had."
Despite failing to settle at Shakhtar Moreno seemed to enjoy his short stay at the DW Stadium among a host of fellow South American stars.
"From our point of view, I am delighted Marcelo enjoyed his time with Wigan and he was made to feel at home," Martinez added.
"He played 12 games for us and played a big role in helping us achieve our aims of staying up. We are now going to wait and see what Shakhtar and the player want to do.
"However I think it is very unlikely that we will see Marcelo back here - due to the financial situation."
New focus
Wigan have now switched their attention to Argentina international Mauro Boselli after reportedly agreeing a £6.2million fee with the 25-year-old striker's club Estudiantes.
The Latics are also thought to be interested in Nancy midfielder Landry N'Guemo. The Cameroon ace spent last season on loan at Celtic with the Hoops having first option on the 24-year-old until Thursday.
However the Old Firm giants appear to have stalled on a permanent offer leaving the door open for Wigan to make a move.
