Wigan Athletic close to shock takeover by Chinese group?

A wealthy Chinese group is close to completing a shock takeover of League One promotion chasers Wigan Athletic, according to a report.

The Far East investors are said to have taken up veteran chief Dave Whelan's buyout proposal, having left the running of the club to others in recent times.

Whelan stepped aside after more than 20 years as Latics chairman in 2015, soon after being punished by the Football Association for using insulting language towards Jewish and Chinese people.

Former Manchester City supremo Garry Cook was brought in to help seek a new buyer, and The Sun claims that the wait could be over as an interested party has been found.

A deal is understood to have already been agreed and due diligence done, with the green light now needing to be given by the English Football League.