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Transfer news: Wigan to reinvest funds from James McArthur sale

James McArthur Wigan
Image: James McArthur: On his way out of Wigan

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has vowed to reinvest the funds generated from the sale of James McArthur to Leicester City.

The Scotland international is heading out of the DW Stadium after a fee was agreed with Leicester at the third time of asking.

It is reported that Foxes boss Nigel Pearson is prepared to pay around £7million for the midfielder, with a deal set to be completed ahead of the weekend.

Uwe will have access to all the funds we generate from sales – that’s normal procedure
Dave Whelan

A cash injection before the close of the summer transfer window will allow Wigan to go in search of a replacement, and Whelan says manager Uwe Rosler will be given license to dip back into the market.

He told the Evening Post: “It’s a fair amount for a very good player, one who has served us very well indeed.

“I’ve always said I would never stand in the way of a player who had a chance like this. It wouldn’t be fair.

“All we asked was we received a fair fee, which we have, and the money will be going straight to Uwe for strengthening the squad.

“Replacements are already being looked at, but we are always looking at players who can improve the squad.

“Uwe will have access to all the funds we generate from sales – that’s normal procedure.”

Wigan may be disappointed to see McArthur heading for the exits a year after James McCarthy did the same, but Whelan admits they can have few complaints at having generated £20million in fees for the pair.

He added: “Those two lads have done so well for this football club. They both gave fantastic service, and we received fantastic transfer fees for them.

“James wanted to get back into the Premier League, and there were two clubs in for him.

“It’s difficult for us to say no to a player in that situation. It’s impossible.”

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