Wigan Athletic chief on 'one that got away' ahead of Nick Powell return

The 29-year-old was a free agent after leaving Stoke, and a return to the DW - for a third spell - was one of his options.

Maloney - a former team-mate during his first spell on loan from Manchester United in 2013114 - was keen to bring back his old colleague.

But with the ownership of the club rightly taking centre stage at the time, League Two Stockport County managed to get a deal over the line.

Speaking ahead of Powell's return to the DW with Stockport in EFL Trophy round of 32 action in midweek, Maloney admitted he was keen for a reunion with the maverick playmaker.

"The great thing about Nick is he can play in a number of positions...a '9', a '10', an '8', a '6'...he's a really intelligent player," said the Latics boss.

"He's now really starting to find his form at Stockport, and we all know how talented a player he is.

"The first thing I remember is him scoring against us at Old Trafford for Manchester United (in 2012-13) with a brilliant strike.

"He was obviously with us on loan the following year, and I was also with him for a period at Hull.

"I've spent a lot of time with Nick, and he's got everything on the pitch in terms of talent, but I actually really like him as a person too.

"He can be 'different' at times, but in a really good way.

"Because of what he's done for this club, he'll always be welcome back here."

Maloney also revealed circumstances put paid to any chance of Powell returning over the summer.

"I really like the squad we've built now," he added.

"But because Nick can play so many positions, he's always a player who you're going to be interested in.

"When I spoke to him, unfortunately things became impossible at that time.

"It was before the change in ownership, and it was impossible to get any work done at that time in terms of recruitment.

"He chose to go to Stockport, and I know they've invested heavily to get out of that league, and I wish him all the best."