Nathan Byrne joins Wigan Athletic exodus

The 28-year-old was one of the few senior first-teamers remaining from last season's squad after a summer of upheaval at the DW Stadium following the club being placed into administration on July 1.

And with Derby requiring a right-back after selling Jayden Bogle to Sheffield United earlier in the week, they moved for Byrne as a cut-price but reliable replacement.

Latics have already seen Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall depart for Derby this summer.

Byrne's departure leaves only skipper Sam Morsy and Kal Naismith left of the XI who started the 1-1 draw against Fulham on July 22.

And Egypt international Morsy continues to be linked with a string of Championship clubs including Middlesbrough.

Byrne featured 136 times during his four years with Latics after arriving from Wolves in 2016.

In 2018, he won the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards, and this summer was voted Players’ Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season.

A club statement read: "An equally popular player with supporters as he is with his team-mates, we wish Nathan well in his future career and thank him for his efforts during his time as a Wigan Athletic player."