Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce is ready to slap in a bid for Newcastle United midfielder Nicky Butt.

The Manchester Evening News says the battling midfielder is out of contract at St James' Park in the summer, although boss Joe Kinnear is keen to keep him.

However Butt is free to speak to other clubs from January 1 and, fearing they may lose him for nothing in the summer, Newcastle may decide to cash in on the 33-year-old if Wigan come in with a tantalising offer.

Bruce, who took Butt to Birmingham on a loan spell during his time as manager at St Andrews, may face competition from rivals Bolton.