Wigan Athletic’s former Austrian International Paul Scharner will make the Latics wait on signing a new deal as Premier League rivals Fulham monitor the situation.

28-year-old Scharner joined Wigan from Norwegian club SK Brann in 2006 and has played mainly in a defensive-midfield role at the JJB Stadium, with new Wigan manager moving Scharner to the centre of defence last season.

Latics player of the year last season, Scharner has only a year left on his current deal, with Bruce keen to tie the versatile Austrian to a long-term contract at the JJB.

Bruce expects Scharner to sign a new deal, but Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is an admirer and will make a move for the player should talks stall with Wigan.

Scharner confirmed he had been in contact with Bruce and they have spoken about it but is in no hurry to sort the situation out quickly.

“I can say there's nothing new,” Scharner told the Wigan Observer.

“We're still in touch and speak about it. I have time.”