BRUCE KEEN TO AVOID DEPARTURES

Bruce - wants to keep players at Wigan.

Steve Bruce has expressed his desire to keep departures from Wigan to an absolute minimum this summer.

Bruce is realistic enough to accept he may be forced to let some go but the Latics chief is keen to retain the services of as many members of his squad as possible.

Striker Marlon King is currently negotiating a move to Premier League new boys Hull, with a £3million deal seemingly on the cards.

Ryan Taylor and Michael Brown have also been linked with moves away from JJB Stadium, and could be on their way before the new season gets underway.

Having brought five new faces into the club during the close season much of Bruce's energies have been spent on bolstering his squad, but he does admit there may be some departures.

"The competition for places is great, and we need that in the Premier League," he told the Wigan Evening Post.

"When it comes to possibly selling players, you can never say never, although us managers are greedy and you never really like to let anyone go.

"Sometimes you accept an offer which is good for the club and the player, but I hope not to be doing that too often."