Wigan Athletic are set to complete the loan signing of Christian Walton, according to HITC Sport.

A host of Premier League clubs were lining up loan swoops for Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Walton but Wigan appear to be closing in on bringing him back to the club after an impressive spell on loan last season.

The 22-year-old spent last season at Wigan, playing 35 games and keeping an astonishing 20 clean sheets to establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the division.

The towering 6ft 5in keeper helped his side win promotion to the Championship and win the League One title and now he is set to return to the club with Brighton keen for him to continue his development out on loan.

Brighton, however, are holding off from sanctioning this move - despite agreeing the loan deal in principle - because they are waiting to sign a replacement to provide back-up to Mat Ryan.

Walton is highly rated by the Seagulls but has only ever played four games for the club's first-team.

The former England under-21 international has had numerous loan spells away from the south coast side and looks set to test himself in the Championship next term.

The Verdict

This is a vitally important piece of business for Wigan because they have strengthened a problem position.

Walton starred on loan last season and if they couldn't get him back, then they would be frantically searching for a new goalkeeper.

This is the ideal short-term solution between the sticks and the youngster is likely to get even better with regular playing time at a higher level.

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