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Premier League

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has promised Espanyol midfielder Jordi Gomez is just the first of a number of new signings.

The Spaniard made his first signing less than a week after taking over from Steve Bruce and is optimistic more will follow soon.

Wigan have already been linked with a move for Gomez's former club captain Raul Tamudo, with the 31-year-old striker reportedly available for £2million.

Martinez earned a glowing reputation for playing flowing football in the Coca-Cola Championship with Swansea and he intends to continue that in the Premier League.

To do that he accepts he has to make changes to the squad he inherited from Bruce.

"We are a little light in numbers and I want to press ahead and bring in some more real quality into the squad," he said.

"You need to have healthy competition for places and we must make sure that the players coming in are of the correct standard and mental attitude for us. Watch this space."

Gomez had little hesitation in agreeing a three-year contract despite interest from a number of clubs around Europe.

The 24-year-old playmaker played under Martinez on loan at Swansea last season, scoring 14 goals, and the relationship between the two was a key factor in the deal happening so quickly.

Martinez is expected to use his contacts to bring in more players shortly but he will also clear out those who do not fit into his plans.

Utility man Paul Scharner seems one destined for the exit, with his agent claiming Fulham are leading the race to sign the Austria international.

"Aston Villa wanted him as a defender and that is why they are no longer an option," said Valentin Hobel, referring to the player's preference for a midfield role.

"Fulham are strong at the moment. However, there is still the possibility he could go to Germany with Hamburg.

"He will look at his options very carefully.

"If they can offer concrete figures and everything else all fits into place, then it could happen quickly and all be concluded within a week."

Midfielder Lee Cattermole, a reported target for former Wigan manager Steve Bruce at Sunderland, will not be allowed to leave though.

"Lee is not going anywhere. You just cannot replace these kind of players," said Latics chairman Dave Whelan.