Wigan Athletic have seen a bid for Joe Williams rejected by Everton, according to Football Insider.

The Latics are hoping to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis, although the value of the offer that was turned down is not yet known.

Everton may be more willing to allow the 22-year-old to depart on loan, as they have for the two previous years, with Williams impressing at Bolton last season and Barnsley the season before.

In both of those spells he made more than 30 appearances in the Championship but couldn't prevent either team from relegation, but after a year of consolidation, Wigan will hope to stay well clear of the drop zone.

Football Insider suggest that this knock-back will not deter Wigan's pursuit of Williams, and they are expected to make another offer to The Toffees.

He is yet to make an appearance for the Merseyside club and he is getting to an age where he can no longer be considered a youngster, and must break into the first-team soon or otherwise he will most likely be allowed to leave.

The Verdict

This would be a good move for Wigan so they shouldn't give up hope of signing Williams just yet.

Williams is a good battling midfielder and he will add energy and desire to the midfield, which is exactly what Paul Cook likes from his players, and he should be a good fit if he was to join.

Wigan have added Lewis MacLeod to their midfield, and with Sam Morsy and Lee Evans the current first-team centre midfielders at the club then Williams may find game time difficult to come by, so he could take some persuading to join the club.