Wigan administrators reach agreement with preferred bidder for club

Wigan’s administrators say an agreement has been reached with a “preferred bidder from Spain” to purchase the beleaguered Sky Bet League One club.

Begbies Traynor confirmed a “substantial deposit” has been handed over, while the bid also includes a payment to non-football creditors which means the Latics will avoid a 15-point penalty in the ongoing campaign.

A statement on the club website said: “We are pleased to announce that we have reached agreement with a preferred bidder from Spain.

“The offer that has been accepted deals with not only the sale of the club but also allows the payment to non-football creditors to avoid the 15-point penalty this season.

“In addition, a substantial deposit has been received. We are now working with our lawyers and the bidder to produce all of the necessary paperwork to submit to the EFL so that successful transfer of the football share can be made at the earliest opportunity.

“The preferred bidder who has experience in football has made it plain that they do not wish for their details to be made public until such time as the sale is completed and we are respecting this anonymity. No further details will be released until EFL approval has been obtained.”

Wigan’s on-field revival in the second half of last season lifted them clear of the bottom three in the Championship, but a 12-point deduction for entering administration in July led to relegation.

An initial deadline for a sale of August 31 was missed, but the club were given permission by the English Football League to start their campaign in the third tier, where they are on three points after as many games.