Wigan Athletic are set to complete the signing of centre back Jack Whatmough from Portsmouth, BBC Sport reporter Chris Wise has revealed.

Whatmough is out of contract at Portsmouth at Fratton Park this summer, and the club had confirmed in their end of season released and retained list that they were in talks with the 24-year-old about a new deal.

Now however, it appears as though Portsmouth's attempts to retain the services of Whatmough have been unsuccessful, with the defender seemingly set for pastures new.

According to this latest update from Wise, Whatmough is now set to sign for Wigan, who have are said to have offered the centre back are more appealing contract than Pompey.

Wise also points out that a number of other clubs had held talks with Whatmough, making this something of a coup for the Latics.

Wigan only narrowly avoided relegation from League One last season, having spent much of the campaign in administration, something they exited with the purchase of the club by Bahraini based group "Phoenix 2021 Limited".

Championship trio Bristol City, Luton, and Millwall have all been linked with moves for Whatmough in recent weeks.

A graduate of Portsmouth's academy, Whatmough has made a total of 136 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions for the club.

The Verdict

This will be disappointing for Portsmouth, given Whatmough did seem to be a player they were keen to tie down at the club.

However, this is certainly an impressive piece of business for Wigan when you consider the interest there is in Whatmough, and the position they found themselves in last season.

Indeed, this is a deal that does feel like a real statement of intent from the Latics, as they look to bounce back from what has been a hugely difficult year.

You feel that if they are able to get this deal done, and others like it, then that is something that they ought to be able to do rather comfortably, and it is encouraging to see the backing they are getting early in the window from their new owners.