'Another party interested in buying Wigan Athletic'

Administrators Begbies Traynor have been issuing weekly updates on the progress of their sale but there has been little development in recent days.

A statement released today read:

"The sale of the club is still progressing with a number of interested parties at various stages of the process. One new party has joined the process and another party has provided us with proof of funds.

"We await feedback from the EFL in relation to those parties that have made submissions.

"In the meantime, we continue to liaise with interested parties, the EFL and the Supporters Club and we continue to remain optimistic of a successful outcome.

"A further update will be provided by next Friday."

A party from Bahrain are thought to be the front-runners to buy the club. Administrators had already predicted the sale may take place in March, only the EFL had approved the buyers.

Wigan Athletic has been in administration since July.

The administrators in charge had hoped to secure a buyer before Christmas, only for talks with the Spanish party bidding for the League One club to break down.

It's understood other parties who seemed keen at the time have since backed out.

Latics need to be sold before the start of next season to remain in the Football League.

Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic’s league clash with Sunderland at the DW Stadium - originally scheduled for Saturday March 13 - has been re-arranged and will now take place on Tuesday April 13 (6pm kick-off). The change is due to the Black Cats' progression to the Papa John's Trophy Final.