Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has hinted he's ready to make on-loan Charlton striker Marcus Bent a permanent signing.

He said: "Emile (Heskey) started alongside Marcus Bent against Blackburn and they called all sorts of problems for Rovers. Emile's latest injury thankfully isn't as bad as we first thought.

"He and Bent form a very strong partnership and would be a real handful for any team.

"Bent has also impressed me, he never stops running and has a very big heart."