Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce is willing to pay a club record £7 million for Ecuador striker Cristian Benitez.

The Mirror says Bruce will make a final decision after watching Benitez in two World Cup qualifiers this week, with talks already opened with his Mexican club Santos Laguna.

Benitez was due to join Latics in the last window before he broke a bone in his leg and Wigan want to be sure he is back to his best before spending big money.

Owner Dave Whelan has given Bruce his blessing to bring in a proven goal-scorer.