August 31 deadline set for sale of Wigan Athletic

The deadline has been imposed due to the proximity of the new season, which kicks off the following weekend with the opening round of League Cup fixtures.

The League One campaign starts the weekend after, on September 12.

"We are continuing talks with various interested parties and are in discussions with four bidders regarding the sale," a statement read.

"We have set a deadline of 31 August 2020 to agree and sign the sale contract.

"If the contract is not signed by this date we will have to reconsider the position on the basis that the new season starts a week later.

"The reason for this is that we will be responsible for the team at the start of the season and the fulfilment of the fixtures.

"Understandably, if no buyer is available we do not wish to commit to something we cannot see through.

"We are still hopeful that one of the bidders will be in a position to sign the contract as set out."

The administrators also confirmed 'further negotiations' are taking place regarding player sales, and that 'wages and salaries of all staff and current playing squad have been paid in full up to 31 July 2020."