Wigan Athletic are close to signing a pre-contract agreement with Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie, according to the Scottish Sun.

The 27-year old can play in central midfield or at left back and has had just two permanent clubs in his career, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Aberdeen. He won the 2015 Scottish Cup with Inverness, before a January move to Pittodrie.

Shinnie has been interesting Hull City, Brentford and Sunderland according to the report, but it is Paul Cook's Latics who are now at the head of the queue and likely to make him their player next season.

There's also been alleged interest from Rangers for the versatile schemer, but it seems he's intent on trying his luck in the English game. Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has been desperate to keep him, stating that he wouldn't get the adulation he receives at Pittodrie anywhere else.

Wigan have settled into the lower mid table area of the Championship following their promotion last season and will be looking to consolidate themselves as a second-tier club over the coming eighteen months.

The Verdict

This is a huge coup for Wigan. Shinnie is a stylish player, able to fulfil a variety of roles but perhaps best played at left back. He's got a cultured left foot and is mobile too.

He's recently been given the Scotland call up and his best football is coming in the next couple of years. Wigan will get a cracking player if they do pull this off.