Wigan striker Julius Aghahowa's plans to go out on loan in his search for first team football have hit a snag because of work permit issues.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce had given permission for the Nigeria international to get more games under his belt elsewhere, after struggling to impress since his £2 million move from Shakhtar Donetsk in January last year.

But with the situation being monitored by a host of Championship clubs, the deal is to be shelved as Aghahowa's lack of first team games at The JJB mean it is unlikely he would be granted a work permit.

Bruce said: "It would be ideal if he could go out somewhere and get used to playing in England."