Leicester City are expected to return with a second bid for Wigan Athletic playmaker Shaun Maloney.
The Foxes apparently failed in their initial approach of just shy of £1m for the Scottish international, but remain confident of bringing him to the King Power Stadium this month, according to Sky Sports News.
Maloney was an integral part of the Latics side that frequently defied the odds to survive in the Premier League under Roberto Martinez and his experience of a relegation battle appears to attract Nigel Pearson, who added veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to his squad this week.
The 31-year-old remains a key player at the DW Stadium, having made 20 appearances this season, but would likely jump at another top-flight chance, with Wigan currently in the Championship drop zone.
Maloney cost Athletic £1m in 2011 following a second spell at Celtic, which sandwiched his time at Aston Villa.