Wigan Athletic are joining the interest for Everton striker Andy Johnson.

The Mirror says Steve Bruce is ready to smash Wigan's transfer record with a £8million bid for Johnson - the striker he once gave away for next-to-nothing.

Bruce has joined the race for the Everton striker and will try to outbid rivals Middlesbrough, West Ham, Manchester City and Aston Villa for the England hitman.

Latics tried and failed to land Johnson when he quit Crystal Palace two years ago. He snubbed them to sign for Everton. Bruce had him under his wing at Birmingham City but let him go to Palace as a makeweight for Clinton Morrison.

A £50,000-a-week deal may tempt Johnson to quit Goodison Park.