Jewell tries to sign Windass

The club broke their silence to reveal that Paul Jewell had been in touch over Windass - and a bid for him had been faxed to Valley Parade.

But the offer, believed to be in the region of £350,000, was only seen this morning and therefore reports that City had already turned it down were "premature".

Jewell spoke yesterday morning to Colin Todd, who gave him permission to contact City chairman Julian Rhodes. Wigan later put in an offer but it arrived after club

officials had left.

Jewell originally brought Windass to Valley Parade for £1m from Oxford six years ago to bolster the promotion push to the top flight.

The pair, who are neighbours in Menston, are close friends and often go out socialising together.

Wigan supporters are shocked that Jewell would want to sign a 36-year-old but Windass is in the form of his life.

He finished joint-leading scorer in League One with 27 goals last term and has begun this season in equally explosive fashion.

His hat-trick against Rochdale in the Carling Cup on Tuesday took his record to seven goals from only five games - the best in the country. Wigan owner Dave Whelan was at Spotland to watch him.

Windass's contract runs out at the end of the season but the striker believes he can play on for at least a couple more years and his current performances certainly justify that prediction.

Todd had a brief chat with Windass this morning. If he did decide to move on, City would have until Wednesday to sign up a replacement before the transfer window closes until January.

City were christened 'Dad's Army' under Jewell's command in the Premiership because he fielded so many experienced players. On Sunday the Wigan boss told a television programme that he felt Windass was still good enough to play in the Premiership but Todd "would kill me" if I wanted to sign him.

Jewell, who is desperate for a striker

after losing Nathan Ellington to West Brom, previously tried to sign Windass two years ago but he opted to go back to City.