Wigan Athletic are still in a bad position financially but are not willing to sell £1 million-rated Sheffield United, Tottenham, and Rangers target Kyle Joseph for significantly less than his value, according to The Athletic.

The last 12 months have been a difficult time for the Latics as administration and the subsequent relegation has seen the club stripped of its assets in cut-price deals, something which it seems could be set to continue.

Joseph appears the latest Wigan player attracting the attention of bigger clubs, with Spurs, Sheffield United, and Rangers all understood to be keen on the 19-year-old.

The Athletic has reported that though the Latics remain in a bad position financially they're not willing to sell the player for significantly less than his value, as his goals could be key in helping them stay in League One.

Joseph has scored four goals in 11 games for 23rd-placed Wigan this term and looks as though he could be a key man in their battle for survival.

The report claims that the North West club want £1 million for the Scotland youth international – the same price that Leeds United paid to prize Joe Gelhardt away from them in the summer.

There have been suggestions that Spurs made a £150,000 bid for the 19-year-old in the summer but it is understood these were wide of the mark, with the Blades the only side properly pursuing him then.

The big festive Wigan Athletic quiz: Can you get 20/20?

The Verdict

The past 12 months have been a really tough time for Wigan and it will be a real shame for the club if they lose yet another talented young player.

It seems the Latics are prepared to be strong when it comes to negotiation over Joseph, however, particularly as he could help them stay up this term.

The teenager looks a talented young player and with the likes of Sheffield United, Spurs and Rangers in pursuit, you feel a £1 million price-tag shouldn't be an obstacle to a deal.