The administrators at Wigan Athletic have turned down a second bid from former Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite, according to reports.
The League One outfit are up for sale with several interested parties reported last week, but the latest offer from the ex-Vale owner has been turned down.
Smurthwaite orginially submitted a bid of £3.3 million for the Latics – £700,000 lower than what the administrators were asking. He cited a firesale of assets as the reason behind his reduced offer. 19 players have been sold as well as one of Wigan’s two training grounds.
This original offer was rejected but, according to The Athletic, he has now returned with another, this time of £3 million which is £300,000 lower than his first bid and £1 million short of the asking price.
This has also been turned down by Gerald Krasner, signalling their hope that a bid matching the £4 million price tag will be forthcoming.
The fans have raised an impressive £670,000 to aid the club in this difficult time but Ian Lenagan, the owner of rugby league Wigan Warriors and co-tenants at the DW, remains the supporter’s choice to lead a local rescue.
The big question is whether he can guarantee the EFL that he is able to fund the club for two years, something the governing body wants to see before sanctioning a deal.
John Sheridan’s side have lost both matches so far this season after falling to a 3-2 defeat against Gillingham at the DW this weekend.