A fee of around £1million has already been agreed with his current club Charlton after Bent scored seven goals while on loan at the JJB towards the end of last term.

"We just need to sort the personal terms. The contract is there and I am very happy to come to Wigan," said Bent.

"This is the club I want to stay at and hopefully the manager will soon be talking to my agent and we can sort things out."

Goalkeeper Carlo Nash and winger David Cotterill look set to leave the JJB Stadium if Stoke and Sheffield United can agree deals.

Nash was third choice for the Latics last season before joining Stoke on loan in March, playing the final 10 games to help them win promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

Cotterill was also a prominent figure for the Blades following his loan move in February, starting 15 of 16 games as manager Kevin Blackwell's side just missed out on a play-off place.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce said: "I've indicated if they (Stoke and Sheffield United) want to make it permanent then I will listen and see what develops.

"But we need three goalkeepers, so if something happens with Nash, I'll need to bring another in."

Second-choice keeper Mike Pollitt, meanwhile, is on the brink of signing a one-year extension and told the Wigan Evening Post: "The club want to speak to my agent, so hopefully things should get sorted out soon."