Wigan Warriors owner Ian Lenagan looks set to make bid for DW Stadium

Wigan Athletic went into administration on July 1

Chairman and majority owner Lenagan is understood to have spoken to administrators in charge of Wigan Athletic, which owns the majority of the venue.

If the move goes ahead, Latics would continue to play at the 25,000-seater stadium - presuming they are saved and they start the new season.

So far, no buyer has come forward offering administrators enough money to buy Wigan Athletic as well as the stadium, its two training grounds and the site of Sharpey's fish and chip shop.

But by selling the DW Stadium - or even a majority stake - it may bring the value of the club more in line with the offers currently available.

Administrators are trying to reduce Latics' debt to make the club more appealing to potential bidders - as well as keep the club running.

They have a football creditors' debt of close to £6m and also need to pay £1m to other creditors - as well as money for administrators' fees and legal fees - before they can exit administration.

Of course, there is still time for another buyer to enter the picture and make a lucrative offer for Latics and their current assets, but so far no bids have been forthcoming.

Lenagan, who has kept silent throughout Latics' administration, did not reply to an invitation to comment.

He had initially shown interest in buying Wigan Athletic, but made it clear from the start he needed more investors to make a deal feasible - which, presumably, didn't materialise.

However, he has sold around 25 per cent of his stake in Wigan Warriors to millionaire Michael Danson - as reported earlier today - which is thought to have freed up enough money to make a move to try and acquire the DW Stadium. It is unclear, if the move went ahead, whether the stadium would technically be owned by Lenagan or Warriors.

The two clubs have been stable-mates at the venue since the end of 1999. While there have been occasion issues over the years - usually related to the pitch or fixture clashes - it is an arrangement which suits both outfits financially.