Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce will hold fire on pushing through a deal for Santos Laguna striker Cristian Benitez.

Bruce's dream of signing Ecuador's star striker Benitez has been dashed - after he broke his leg.

Benitez is wanted by the Latics, who planned an £8million transfer window swoop, but now he will be sidelined for up to six months.

Bruce's top scout John Benson had lined up the deal with Mexican side Santos Laguna and chairman Dave Whelan was poised to splash out.

Blackburn were also on Benitez's trail and called off a spying mission when they discovered the injury.