Franco flies in for Latics

ROBERTO Martinez has turned to veteran Mexican striker Guillermo Franco to help find the goals to fire Latics out of trouble.

The Evening Post understands Franco, who is a free agent after being released by West Ham at the end of last season, will become Martinez’s latest summer signing – possibly as soon as today.

And Chelsea hitman Franco di Santo is also expected to put pen to paper on a loan move before Latics return to Premier League action at Tottenham on Saturday.

Franco, 33, played a huge role in helping keep the Hammers up last term, scoring five goals in just 16 starts after joining part-way through the campaign.

He represented his country in both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, playing in all four matches this summer as Mexico reached the round of 16.

Franco was disappointed at not being retained by new Hammers boss Avram Grant, but remained in England in an attempt to secure another chance in the Premier League.

With Latics having fired a blank in each of their first two matches – both at home – Martinez has acted swiftly to bring in reinforcements.

And Franco’s capture should quickly be followed by that of Argentina Under-20 international Di Santo.

The 21-year-old’s arrival, which has been mooted for several days, was put on hold with Latics playing his parent club at the weekend. But Di Santo, who spent last term on loan at Blackburn, has now been given the green light to join Latics on a similar arrangement.

It’s hoped the South American duo will help get the best out of £6million man Mauro Boselli, who has endured a frustrating start to his Wigan career.

Boselli hit the crossbar in the opener against Blackpool, while he was unfortunate to see a ‘goal’ against Chelsea chalked off for offside.

The Argentinian should at least feel at home with the arrival of two of his countrymen – Franco was born there before becoming a Mexican citizen six years ago.

The double-swoop by Martinez should also allow Jason Scotland to seal his transfer to Championship outfit Ipswich Town.

The Tractor Boys agreed a fee in the region of £750,000 earlier this month for the Trinidadian, but the deal was placed on hold until Martinez was able to add to his striking options.

Now the Wigan boss has been able to do that, Scotland looks set to depart having mustered just one league goal since his arrival from Swansea last summer.

Martinez is also keen to bolster his defensive ranks, and he may not have to look far for his next signing.

Former Scotland international Steve Caldwell has been training with Latics for the past few weeks and is believed to have impressed the Wigan management down at Christopher Park.

Heard this rumour on friday/saturday and would really like this chap at the club