Wigan closing in on Perch

Wigan Athletic are on the verge of signing Newcastle United defender James Perch, according to the Mirror.

The 27 year old has completed a medical and agreed personal terms ahead of securing a £600,000 move to the FA Cup winners, who are looking for an immediate return to the Premier League after their eight year spell in the top flight ended in May.

Perch has made sixty-five Premier League appearances since joining the Geordies from Nottingham forest three years ago, while his solitary goal came in the 4-3 defeat to Manchester United on Boxing Day last year.

He can play in a number of positions, and his versatility could prove to be an asset to the Latics ahead of a long season which will include forty-six league games and a European campaign.

Should the deal be completed, Perch will become Owen Coyle’s fourth signing since becoming Wigan manager, following the arrivals of Thomas Rogne, Stephen Crainey and Chris McCann.