Wigan Athletic ready to walk away from Accrington Stanley interest over valuation differences

Wigan Athletic are ready to walk away from negotiations to sign Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward due to the League Two outfit’s perceived excessive valuation of the player.

Latics have had multiple six-figure bids for the 21-year-old centre-back – who joined Accy from Burnley 12 months ago on an 18-month contract – rejected already this window.

Accrington's Benn Ward (right) competes for the ball with former Latics man Donervon Daniels (left), now with Oldham, earlier this season

placeholder image — Accrington's Benn Ward (right) competes for the ball with former Latics man Donervon Daniels (left), now with Oldham, earlier this season

Ryan Lowe acknowledges Wigan Athletic's Achilles heel - 'I don't want that'

And with Stanley valuing him at a figure far in excess of what is on the table, Latics have already began to follow up other potential defensive targets.

Latics remain huge admirers of the player and, if Stanley’s stance was to change, a deal could still be possible this month.

However, they are prepared to sit back and see how things pan out – and possibly return to the table in the summer.

Despite rival interest from Bradford City, Accrington’s hopes of an auction beginning for the player has so far not materialised.

And although a money-spinning FA Cup fourth-round tie against Arsenal has presented itself next month, Latics have a valuation of the player – and will not be pushed beyond that.