Nick Powell has acclimatised impressively to Championship life after playing a crucial role in Wigan Athletic’s impressive promotion campaign last season.

The 25-year-old scored 15 goals and assisted seven more as the Latics strolled to the third tier title, and has proven this season that he is more than cut out for the second.

In an injury hit campaign, Powell has still managed to notch six goals and six assists, leading to plenty of speculation about his future.

Leeds United were the latest side to be linked with the former Manchester United man, with Football Insider reporting that Marcelo Bielsa wants him to replace the departed Samu Saiz.

Adding to the drama is the small matter of Powell’s contract with the Lancashire club expiring at the end of the campaign, making him a free agent if a new deal is not struck at the DW before the summer.

With that in mind, here are potential paths that his career could follow…

Stay with Wigan

I don’t think this would be a bad move.

Powell certainly has the potential to play at a higher level, but at the same time he does not seem to have any problems playing for Paul Cook’s side.

Having already flopped after one big move to Manchester United, Powell may feel like staying put is the best option.

Push for Leeds

The best option currently on the table.

With the Whites’ limited options in attack, game time is as good as guaranteed, and if he can become a favourite under Bielsa he will be in the squad for a long time.

It could also prove to be a route back into the Premier League in the long-run.

Bidding war

Powell is an incredibly desirable asset and will not be short of suitors in the summer.

It may, therefore, be a smart move for him to run his contract down and become a free-agent in the summer, starting a bidding war in the process.

By doing this, it could even pave the way for a Premier League club to make a move for him.