According to the Spanish newspaper, Sport, the Latics have pulled out of the chase for long-standing target Raul Tamudo.

This now leaves Portsmouth, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur left in the hunt to sign Espanyol striker.

It is believed the 32-year-old is close to agreeing a deal with the club which would see him loaned out for the rest of the season ahead of a permanent move in the summer.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez was keen to sign Tamudo in the summer and rumours of a return for him in January surfaced recently.

But it appears the Spaniard has withdrawn his interest.