Wigan, though, face a work permit hearing in Sheffield tomorrow regarding Aghahowa – while Diop is to give the Latics an answer later today on whether he intends to move to the JJB Stadium.

With regard to Aghahowa, Jewell said: “I hope we’ll get the decision, but it’s not set in stone. Everything else has been agreed – the fee with Shakhtar Donetsk, the player’s terms – so now it’s down to getting the work permit.

“I’m quite excited about him coming here. If we sign him he’ll give us more competition up front. He has a good pedigree and is someone we’ve been watching for quite a while. I tried to buy him a couple of years ago, but Shakhtar Donetsk are a very wealthy club and they wouldn’t sell him then. Even though his contract runs out in October, we’ve still had to pay quite a hefty price for him now.”

Jewell has been chasing Diop – who turned 29 yesterday -throughout the transfer window, and it was hoped he would have signed by now.

But despite ongoing talks, Diop has yet to commit himself – Jewell adding: “We spoke to him on Thursday, and he was quite impressed.

“But these things do take time. We had meetings again in London yesterday - and while it is time-consuming and energy-sapping, it’s what you have to do. We really want the player to come. We just have to give him as much of a chance to sort things out with Fulham. If it doesn’t happen then it will be disappointing, but that’s the way it is.”