Wigan Athletic takeover update

It is believed that a Hong Kong consortium`s £20 million takeover of Wigan Athletic may only be completed in January.

The potential new owners, who are rumoured to be gambling and betting firm K8 group, have been discussing a deal for the club with former Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook, who joined Latics` board on a part-time basis in the summer.

It is understood that Cook was asked by Dave Whelan, Wigan`s long-term owner, to find a buyer. Whelan has been the majority shareholder at his home town club since 1995.

Whelan`s time as the main investor has been a hugely successful stint. He guided the club from the foot of the old Third Division to the promised land of the Premier League in just 10 years; and he would witness Wigan play eight consecutive seasons in the top flight.

The 80-year-old was also at the helm when the club remarkably won the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium in 2013, before competing in the Europa League group stages the following term.

Whelan officially resigned as chairman in March 2015, passing the reigns on to his grandson David Sharpe, who orchestrated a League One title win in his first full campaign in charge.

Current manager Paul Cook has insisted that the takeover talk isn`t affecting his squad, but it`s thought that the ex-Portsmouth boss is hopeful that it will be confirmed before the January transfer window.