Wigan are interested in signing Middlesbrough's Ryan Shotton according to TeessideLive [blog 8/8, 11:43 a.m.].

The defender started against Luton but Boro have a number of options at centre-back so could decide to cash in on him now, rather than see him leave on a free next summer, with the club unlikely to renew his deal.

The 30-year-old is also able to play at right-back and that versatility could serve Wigan well, although with only three centre-backs in the squad it is likely that Shotton will occupy a central role should he sign.

Shotton would bring a wealth of experience to the Latics' backline, having made a total of 182 Championship appearances as well 48 in the Premier League - and that is what may have attracted Paul Cook's interest.

As yet, there are no reports of the fee involved, but Wigan have shown they are not afraid to spend this summer - with Kieffer Moore and Jamal Lowe both arriving in multi-million-pound deals.

The Verdict

This is a very sensible move by Wigan and the signing of Shotton should help take the club to the next level, which would be the upper echelons of the Championship.

Shotton made 34 appearances in a Boro defence which conceded just 29 goals last season, and if he can bring that solidity to Wigan then they will have a great platform to improve on past performances in the Championship.

Wigan currently have inexperience in the back four with the likes Dujon Sterling and Antonee Robinson involved, and could do with a commanding figure at centre-back to organise and lead by example, which is what Shotton would provide.