Owen Coyle is hoping to sign Thomas Rogne and Stephen Crainey.
The new Wigan boss is anxious to bring in defenders with talks at an advanced stage for both men.
Rogne is out of contract from Celtic on Monday with Crainey poised to quit Blackpool after six years- including a season in the Premiership- at the Seasiders.
32-year-old Crainey left Celtic nine years ago for Southampton and is one of the most experienced defenders in the Championship with over 250 appearances at Leeds and Blackpool.
“I think if you look at the squad, we only have one recognised defender fit in Emmerson Boyce,” Coyle explained. “So I think it’s fair to say that we are certainly looking to strengthen defensively.
“We have spoken to one or two about central midfield as well – but I think we have to strengthen every department.”
Coyle has a huge task on his hands taking over from Roberto Martinez at the DW Stadium.
After seven years in the Premiership Wigan have to prepare for the 46 game Championship season as well as the Europa League.
One of Coyle’s first tasks will be to determine the future’s of Shaun Maloney and James McCarthy with offers of £10m expected for the Irish international.
Despite the comfort of the parachute payment from the Premiership Wolves slipped straight through the Championship suffering back to back relegations to end in League One.
Wigan are rated as sixth favourites with the bookies to win the Championship and are generally available at odds of 10/1 and 12/1.
Despite the financial problems and uncertainty over the future of Harry Redknapp QPR are favourites for the title at around 5/1.
