Championship interest intensifies in Wigan Athletic star
Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle continues to be at the centre of persistent transfer talk linking him with a summer move to the Championship.
Queens Park Rangers were the first second-tier side reported to be interested in his services at the beginning of the month.
They were quickly joined in the gossip columns by Bristol City, who also finished last season in 12th spot – three places above Rangers on the ladder.
It’s believed the interest from City has been the strongest so far, with some outlets even suggesting an agreement could be imminent.
Wigan Today understands such talk is premature, with Latics having yet to receive a bid approaching Tickle’s valuation.
The former England Under-21 goalkeeper has yet to miss a game in the league since making his debut against Rotherham United on the last day of the 2022/23 campaign.
In the past, he has been linked with Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Everton and West Ham United.
With two years left on his contract, he represents Latics’ most saleable asset, but the club are under no pressure to sell unless the money is right.
Unlike fellow Academy products Charlie Hughes and Thelo Aasgaard, Tickle does not have a clause in his contract that stipulates he can leave for a set amount.
It remains to be seen how highly the Latics ownership value a player who has been the first name on the team sheet – in every sense – over the last three seasons.
Latics have already lost two senior goalkeepers this summer, with Toby Savin and Matty Corran having been released at the end of their respective contracts.
If Tickle were to depart, that would leave 21-year-old Tom Watson – who spent much of last season on loan at South Shields in the National League North – as the club’s only recognised custodian.
While he remains highly rated by the senior management, all five of his senior appearances for Latics have come in the EFL Trophy.