Wigan's £5.5m Heskey bid accepted

A statement on Blues' website confirmed the offer had been agreed for the 28-year-old former England player, who is now discussing personal terms.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell also inquired about signing Robbie Savage, 31, from Blackburn but was told the Wales midfielder was not for sale.

Jewell said the club were targeting "top Premiership performers".

Wigan are desperate to land a proven striker after selling Jason Roberts to Blackburn for £3m and missing out in the chase for Andrew Johnson, who joined Everton from Crystal Palace in May.

"I'm still very confident we will get the five or six new players we want by the beginning of the season"
Wigan boss Paul Jewell

Their previous record transfer fee was the £3.1m paid to Wolves for Henri Camara last summer.

Jewell said: "Emile is a proven performer at Premiership and international level and we have made what we consider to be a very good offer to Birmingham City.

"It is not normal for this club to comment on targets until the player has signed but in this instance it's an open secret that we've made the bid.

"I think he's a player who could do very well for us but we'll see how the situation develops.

"I'm still very confident we will get the five or six new players we want by the beginning of the season."

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