Barnsley skipper linked with DW switch
Defender Stephen Warnock has already agreed to make permanent his successful loan from Derby, and boss Gary Caldwell is keen to bring in up to four other players to bolster the ranks ahead of next term.
Latics are doing everything they can to bring back former star Jordi Gomez from Sunderland, and Cork-born Hourihane is also believed to be high on Caldwell’s wish list.
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Hide AdThe 25-year-old is in demand after captaining the Tykes to a memorable Wembley double, following up their JPT success with victory in the League One play-off final.
Hourihane made 53 appearances last term, scoring 11 goals – the last of them coming in Barnsley’s 4-1 win at the DW on the final day of the regular season.
A fee in the region of £500,000 has been mooted for his services.
Latics are also being linked with Billinge-born midfielder Leon Osman, who is out of contract at Premier League Everton, as well as Colchester youngster Alex Gilbey.