Latics set to field fortysomething in John Smith’s showdown

HUDDERSFIELD Town boss David Wagner insists he hasn’t given up hope of holding on to Nahki Wells, even though the star striker has been linked with a move away in January.

The head coach has confirmed the club’s top scorer for the last two seasons, rated in the £8m bracket, turned down a new contract during the close-season.

But Wagner also said no serious offer has ever been received for the former Bradford City man, who is said to be interesting Norwich City and Fulham.

And as he prepares for Monday’s Championship visit of Wigan Athletic, the German team chief said it’s business as usual for the Bermuda international, whose current deal ends the summer after next.

Wells, a then-club record £1.3m signing from neighbours Bradford City in January 2014, has scored 42 Town goals.

Three of them have come this season, and the 26-year-old has featured in the last 16 games after missing the first two of the campaign through injury. WIGAN Athletic could field a 41-year-old goalkeeper against Huddersfield Town on Monday.

Former Finnish international Jussi Jaaskelainen is on stand-by to play following a season-ending injury to Adam Bogdan.

The Hungarian international - like Town keeper Danny Ward, on loan from Liverpool was forced off an hour into Saturday’s 0-0 Championship draw at Barnsley.

Jaaskelainen came on, having previously featured in the 2-1 League Cup first-round defeat at Oldham Athletic.

The former West Ham United man made 38 appearances last season, when Wigan won promotion from League One.

Jaaskelainen played for Bolton Wanderers from 1997 to 2012, totting up 527 outings in all competitions. He won 56 caps between 1998 and 2010. With 19-year-old Dan Lavercombe his only other real option, Wigan boss Warren Joyce has been linked with former Chelsea and AC Milan keeper Marco Amelia as an emergency option ahead of the Sky Sports-televised Town clash.

Amelia, who started his career at Genoa, is a free agent following his release by Chelsea in the summer.

The 34-year-old has nine caps for Italy and was part of the World Cup winning squad of 2006.

Former Manchester United reserve team chief Joyce said: “Adam Bogdan is obviously out for the rest of the season, which is bitterly disappointing for him and the club at this moment in time.

“But you couldn’t ask for a better pro than Jussi Jaakelainen to step in.

“He was cool and calm and went on and gave an assured performance at Barnsley.”

Joyce, who is seeking his first win in his third match in charge against Town, will be without Craig Morgan.

The former Rotherham United, Preston North End, Peterborough United and MK Dons centre-back serves a one-match suspension for five yellow cards.