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Whelan slams Al-Habsi price

Image: Al Habsi: Move to Wigan in doubt

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has accused Bolton of hiking up their asking price for Ali Al-Habsi.

Latics chairman frustrated with Bolton's asking price for keeper

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has accused Bolton of hiking up their asking price for goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi and is threatening to pull out of a deal. The Latics have seen two of their bids rejected for the Oman international, who enjoyed an outstanding campaign on loan at the DW Stadium last term and was thought to be attracting interest from several clubs. Whelan claims that the Trotters quoted him a £3million figure at the start of last season upon agreeing a temporary deal. Despite making a bid to their initial requirements and expecting the deal to go through, Bolton have turned down Wigan's approach and increased their valuation to £4million. Aston Villa are rumoured to be among the clubs interested in securing the 29-year-old, with Trotters boss Owen Coyle not budging on his valuation.

On the fence

"We've made our offer, and we're sitting on the fence at the moment," said Whelan. "They're trying to get more money out of us, but we've told them straight, we're not paying any more money. "We saw our first bid turned down, which we thought we might, and our second offer remains on the table. "It's our fullest and final offer. The offer is what we were quoted for last summer - £3million."