Transfer Centre

Roberto Martinez wants Paul Scharner return

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 29 January 2013

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez will reportedly try to resign versatile defender Paul Scharner before the close of the transfer window.

Roberto Martinez has confirmed his intentions to bring back Paul Scharner to ease Wigan Athletic's defensive injury concerns.

The Italian added Angelo Henriquez, Roger Espinoza and Joel Robles to his squad earlier in the transfer window and then hinted that his January business was complete.

However, injuries to Ivan Ramis, Emerson Boyce and Antolin Alcaraz have left Wigan light at the back and Martinez has revealed that he plans to recruit a couple of players, including former Latic Scharner, before Thursday's 11pm deadline to fill that void.

He said: "Over the next 48 hours I am hoping to bring one or two players in and Paul is one of them.

"Paul could be a perfect replacement because he knows the football club and the Premier League. He is someone who could fit in at centre-half and with the way we play.

"The fans would welcome him with open arms and it is something that I am hoping to have positive news on over the next 48 hours."

Scharner, currently of German outfit Hamburger SV, made 156 Wigan appearances during a five-year spell at the DW Stadium.