Wigan Athletic return to training to pave way for cavalry to arrive

Latics have so far made only two signings during the off-season - former favourite Max Power returning from Bradford City for a third spell, and defender Connor Barrett joining from Walsall.

Given eight players were released at the end of last season, and a further six loan players cleared their lockers, squad numbers will be massively down for the first roll call at Christopher Park.

In addition, none of the nine out-of-contract players who were offered new deals have yet to sign extended deals - although that should change over the coming days.

Midfielder Jensen Weir is understood to have agreed a new contract, having stepped up a gear since the arrival of Gary Caldwell as manager in mid-February.

With Caldwell having twice tried to sign him during his time in charge of Exeter City, that was always expected to be one of the most straightforward deals to put together.

Winger Callum McManaman should also be penning his third 12-month deal in as many years.

McManaman's role will include mentoring younger players to pass on his experience, eventually leading to a senior off-field position, possibly involving coaching or recruitment.

While primarily earmarked for domestic cup action next term, he would also compete for league inclusion should his form warrant it.

And young defender Llyton Chapman - who impressed towards the end of last term after making his senior debut at Stockport in February - is also believed to be extending his stay.

It's not all good news however, as forward Harrison Bettoni will be moving on to pastures new.

The 18-year-old - who also broke onto the scene last term - has turned down a couple of improved offers from Latics, with Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City among the clubs monitoring the situation.

It remains to be seen whether midfielder Matt Smith will be extending his three-year stay with Wigan.

The former Arsenal youngster has attracted interest from elsewhere, although Latics remain in discussions with him and are hopeful of retaining his services.

Academy products Joe Adams, Chris Sze, Leo Graham and Adam Moseley are the other four players still assessing their options.

Clearly, Gary Caldwell's recruitment plans will be hugely affected by how many of the nine out-of-contract players stay, but the Latics boss is pushing forward with his squad strengthening.

It's understood he's closing in on a new striker to add firepower to a side that has struggled for goals in recent seasons, a deal which could even be pushed through this week.

Perhaps the most important move of the summer could also be confirmed in the coming days, as Latics expect interest in Sam Tickle to ramp up now that clubs are returning for pre-season.

The departure of Latics’ prize asset would leave Tom Watson as the only senior goalkeeper on the books, with Toby Savin and Matty Corran having left at the end of last term.

Watson, 21, has made only five appearances for the club – all in the Football League Trophy.

Latics have admitted defeat in their efforts to re-sign Callum Wright following a superb campaign on loan from Plymouth Argyle.

Wright is expected to sign for Scottish Premiership outfit Hibernian - who have the carrot of European football to offer him – although an offer from a Turkish club has also proved tempting.

Fellow midfielder Ryan Trevitt’s loan spell from Brentford was rather less successful, with a number of injuries restricting him to only 14 appearances.

However, Caldwell remains a huge fan of a player he twice signed during his time at Exeter, and who is now a free agent having been released by the Premier League side.

If a deal can be struck which would reward Trevitt for staying on the pitch, while protecting Latics against further unavailability, that could prove to be a mutually beneficial arrangement.