Wigan Athletic star set to join Joe Garner in Cyprus

Latics acting manager Leam Richardson admitted earlier this week there had been interest in Naismith, who was left out of the midweek win at Burton with a 'slight knock'.

"There’s also a few things happening in the background as well,” Richardson recognised. “Kal’s had options out there for a while.

“That will come down to Kal himself, and obviously the administrators, who’ll make the correct decision for the football club."

The 28-year-old only has six months remaining on his Latics contract.

And with the continued uncertainty surrounding the ongoing takeover, he looks like becoming the latest big-name departure.

Sources in Cyprus have confirmed Naismith has travelled to the island, and the move is expected to go through pending personal terms and a medical.

Apoel, managed by Mick McCarthy, have been looking for a left-sided player to fill a problematic position in their defence, and see Naismith as the ideal player to step in.

They today (January 1) confirmed the signing of ex-Latics striker Garner, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent last month.

Garner, who previously played under McCarthy at Ipswich Town, has been in Cyprus for the past week.

And a third former Wigan man, Irish midfielder Jack Byrne, has also been lined up for a January arrival at Apoel.

Byrne spent an unsuccessful year with Latics after being signed by Warren Joyce in January 2017, before moving on to Oldham.