Wigan manager Paul Jewell believes striker Emile Heskey will be an excellent addition to his squad.

Wigan have had a £5.5million bid for the 28-year-old accepted by Birmingham and Heskey is expected to begin talks with the club today.

Jewell is desperate to land a  big-name striker, especially after missing out on Andy Johnson and then seeing Jason Roberts join Blackburn for Stg3million last week.

"Emile is a proven performer at Premiership and international level," said Jewell. "I think he's a player who could do very well for us, but we'll see how the situation develops."

Wigan also revealed they made an unsuccessful approach for Blackburn midfielder Robbie Savage.

"It shows the ambition of this club that we are now targeting some of the Premiership's top performers," added Jewell.

"I'm still very confident that we will get the five or six new players we want by the beginning of the season.".

"We did ask Blackburn about Robbie through the correct channels because he's a player I thought would be a good addition to our squad.

"But Blackburn said he was not for sale. That's as far as the conversation went.  We never spoke to the player, we didn't make him a wage offer and as far as I'm concerned the matter's closed.

Former Wales international midfielder Savage has also indicated he has no intention of leaving Ewood Park.  PA