Wigan Athletic's Austrian centre-half Paul Scharner is understood to be a summer target for Premiership rivals Everton and Newcastle, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Latics' boss Steve Bruce has told Scharner he plans to sign him up on an extended contract but Wigan could face strong competition.

Scharner, who came close to joining Fulham at the turn of the year, has turned in some impressive performances recently and this has led to increased interest from a number of Wigan's rivals.

Wigan are confident they can persuade Scharner to stay.

He claims he is happy at Wigan and has told Steve Bruce he will sit down with him to discuss a new deal once the season is over.