Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has already lined up possible replacements for jailed Marlon King as he sets to step up his efforts for striker Raul Tamudo, with Emile Heskey also on his radar.

Espanyol striker Tamudo is out of contract next summer and is likely to be available on the cheap in January if Latics boss Martinez wants to splash the cash. But it's thought that he is hopeful of the Spanish club agreeing to a termination of the forward's contract.

The 32-year-old Spanish international scored seven goals in 24 appearances last season and he is happy to stay in Barcelona until the end of the season if there is no suitable offer.

However, he is keen to engineer a move to the Premier League and having been a legend for the past 15 years Tamudo may be willing to compromise in order to get a move to the England and join up with the Martinez revolution.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has already moved to sack the shamed Marlon King after his conviction for sexual assault and ABH and a replacement is needed at the DW Stadium.

Martinez is also thought to be preparing a January move for former Latics striker Emile Heskey with the England international eager to find first team football ahead of the World Cup finals next summer.

The Aston Villa striker has failed to nail down a first team place since his £3million move last January and having publicly declared his frustrations, manager Martin O'Neill may be prepared to offload the unhappy hitman.