Wigan Athletic could be set to make their move to sign Everton midfielder Joe Williams, according to a report from the Liverpool Echo.

Williams has struggled to break into the first-team at Goodison Park but has enjoyed impressive spells with the likes of Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers, leading to interest from the Latics and manager Paul Cook.

And according to the latest report, Wigan are indeed in pole position to land the midfielder despite seeing a bid rejected earlier in the week, with the Championship club desperate to land Williams as they look to improve the squad ahead of the transfer window closing.

Midfielder Wiliams will no doubt be keen to move on himself and get some regular first-team football under his belt, and at 22, the time is coming now for Williams to prove himself as a first-team regular rather than sitting on the bench at Goodison Park.

With so many midfield options for Everton manager Marco Silva, Williams' chances are looking slim in terms of getting minutes in the first XI, and a move to the DW Stadium might well prove the ideal move for him at this point in his career.

Williams has yet to make his debut for the Toffees, but has over 60 appearances in the Football League thanks to his loan spells, and will be looking to kick on if and when a move to Wigan is confirmed.

The Verdict

Williams is a quality young midfielder who just needs to be given a chance to do well in a team who plays him regularly.

If he can settle in well with the Latics then Paul Cook could be the ideal manager for him to finally fulful his potential.

Wigan are looking to add some quality to the ranks before the end of the next week, and in Williams, they'll be getting a quality player who has a big point to prove at this stage of his career.