Wigan knock back Warbo bid

Wigan Athletic have knocked back an offer from Sevco for James Tavernier.

The 23-year-old utility man had been pinpointed by Mark Warburton for the crucial Dani Alves rule after former Manchester City ace Reece Wabara knocked back an offer to join the Championship promotion chasers.

Tavernier still has two years left on his contract with Wigan hopeful of landing a six figure sum as Gary Caldwell attempts to put together his own promotion challenge with the 2013 FA Cup winners now playing in League One.

Last month Wigan sold Rob Kiernan to Sevco for an undisclosed fee with the former Ireland u-21 cap joining the Warbo revolution at the same time as Danny Wilson.

Sevco chairman Dave King promised supporters a ‘whatever it takes’ budget when he launched the season ticket drive but transfer activity has been slow with the Petrofac Training Cup tie against Hibs just over a week away.

After losing 11 first team stars as well as the Newcastle Five at the end of last season Warbo has struggled to attract players to Ibrox despite luring Wes Foderingham with a three year plan to play in the Champions League.

Despite visiting Ibrox and enjoying the facilities of the state-of-the-art Murray Park training complex John Eustace and Wabara have failed to agree terms to move to the Scottish Championship.

Youth team players have proved easier to recruit but with competitive action nine days away Warbo is badly short on numbers despite Mr King’s budget promises.

Former Bradford starlet Andy Halliday looks close to signing a contract to join Wilson, Kiernan and Foderingham as Warbo concentrates his efforts on the Bosman market for the season ahead.