Wigan Athletic’s pursuit of Ecuadorian striker Cristian Benitez is reportedly set to come across hurdles in the form of interest from several Spanish clubs.

The 22-year-old currently plays for Mexican outfit Santos Laguna, and the Latics have already confirmed that he is their target for January transfer window as Emile Heskey could move with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and Aston Villa looking to snap up the powerful England forward on cutprice fee.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Wigan boss Steve Bruce also has other targets in addition to Benitez in mind with the likes of Norwich City's Italian striker Arturo Lupoli and Villareal’s Bosnian front-man Guillermo Franco being mentioned.

Wigan’s on-loan star Amr Zaki has meanwhile, attracted attention from a host of top clubs in England and Spanish giants Real Madrid are also reported to be in the race for the Egypt forward, who his parent club Zamalek will sell to the highest bidder and if it comes in January to add to the possible move away for Heskey, the Latics could need a double quick reinforcement in the New Year transfer window.