Wigan are said to be planning a January move to sign Celtic striker Scott McDonald. The English Premier League club have shown interest in the Australian international and are now set to offer the player a move in the new year.
Roberto Martinez attempted to sign McDonald in the summer and, according to a report in the Evening Times, is keen to move the striker south to bolster his attacking options. Celtic boss Tony Mowbray was reluctant to let the player leave in the close season, having recently taken over at Parkhead, but could be prepared to let the player move as he revamps his squad.
Wigan are apparently keen to sign the player on loan initially, with a view to a permanent move at the end of the season. A loan deal would allow the club to wait until their EPL status is assured before paying a fee for the striker.
Though Celtic would likely prefer to see a transfer fee up front before losing the player, the chance to reduce the wage bill may be attractive. If McDonald impressed in the English top flight, a bidding war could develop for his services in May.
Mowbray has confirmed that he is looking at potential signing targets ahead of the January window. Having already added Marc-Antoine Fortune to his front line, the manager travelled to France last week to run the rule over Tours frontman Olivier Giroud. The club have also been linked with Coventry forward Leon Best and St Etienne’s Brazilian striker Ilan.
With Georgios Samaras being praised by Mowbray this week the competition for forward places could hot up and a lucrative offer for the Australian may tempt Mowbray to let his top scorer leave.
Whether McDonald would be keen on a move may depend on where he is more likely to play regular first-team football. The striker has recently lost his starting spot in the Australian national team and will not want to jeopardise his international place.
The Socceroos will compete in the World Cup in South Africa next summer and McDonald will have to be playing regularly to have a chance of making the tournament.
