Nick Powell will leave Wigan Athletic when his contract at the club expires at the end of the season it has been claimed.

The 25-year-old joined Wigan on a permanent deal from Manchester United in the summer of 2016, having previously spent the 2013-14 season on loan at the DW, but it now appears increasingly likely that Powell's time with the Latics is coming to an end.

Answering a question from a Wigan fan on Twitter about the latest news on Powell's contract situation, journalist Alan Nixon replied by simply saying that the midfielder "will be off."

That answer may come as interest to fans of Leeds in particular, after reports from Football Insider emerged earlier in the week claiming that the Championship promotion hopefuls were interested in Powell, who is expected to be vital to Wigan's hopes of staying in the Championship this season.

So far this season the attacking midfielder has scored six goals and registered six assists in an injury-hit campaign back in the second-tier.

The Verdict

This will be a blow to Wigan fans, though one it seems they have increasingly come to expect as Powell's contract has slowly run out without news of a renewal. However, that does not mean that any damage will be lessened long term.

Even if Powell does help keep Wigan in the second tier this season, his departure at the end of his contract means that the Latics will not recoup any money to spend on a replacement, and that could leave them very short indeed.

Thoughts? Let us know!