Wigan Athletic face a battle hanging onto Jordan Jones with Championship sides Derby County, Blackburn Rovers and Millwall in the race as well as League One title favourites Birmingham City.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
Latics boss Shaun Maloney could not hide his delight after it was confirmed that the well-travelled wideman had extended his stay at the third-tier outfit this week.
Jordan Jones had left Wigan earlier in the summer upon the expiry of his contract. But after losing no fewer than four wingers to injury – including 2013 FA Cup final hero Callum McManaman – the Lancaster outfit made contact with Jones again before convincing the 29-year-old to pen a short-term deal.
Jones made his latest Wigan debut off the bench during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic.
But, HITC understands, The Latics could still lose the former Rangers and Sunderland man for a second time this summer. There is no shortage of clubs looking to snap up Jones in the knowledge that he will be available for nothing when his short-term deal runs out.
Birmingham City eye Wigan Athletic winger Jordan Jones
HITC have been told that Blackburn Rovers, Millwall and Derby County are willing to offer Jones a chance in the Championship.
Ambitious Birmingham City are interested too, the League One favourites having already snapped up a host of players with a proven track record in England’s third tier as well as a trio of Eredivisie aces.
Alfie May, last season’s Golden Boot winner, marked his Birmingham bow with a goal as Chris Davies’ side avoided an opening weekend defeat at home to Reading.
Blackpool are also among Jones’ suitors, as well as clubs in America, Austria and Asia. Sheffield Wednesday were keen a few months ago too.
Maloney, meanwhile, confirmed after that Charlton clash that Jones only arrived back at the Brick Community Stadium after getting cold feet about signing for a team outside of the UK for the very first time in his career.
“I think he’d flown out for a connecting flight to sign for a club abroad. He then decided he didn’t want to do that, which obviously left him in limbo,” the one-time Celtic and Aston Villa playmaker tells Wigan Today.
“He made the decision for his family. But, with us obviously being short of fit wingers, we wanted to make it happen. I knew it would be a gamble physically, but I’m very appreciative of what he brings to the squad.
“I’m actually really surprised that he’s not moved up to a higher level, because of what he did for me last year.”
Championship interest as Blackburn and Derby eye deal
Jones still could, of course, with Blackburn among those keen. Capped 19 times by the Northern Ireland, the Redcar-born Jones scored three goals and set up nine more during an impressive 2023/24 campaign.
“In my experience, he’s a brilliant boy and a really good player,” Maloney adds. “So we’re very glad the situation unfolded as it did.
“When we play the way we do, when we have that big threat one-v-one, it changes the dynamics of the game. Players like Jordan have the talent to beat players.
“They either beat the man, or force the opposition to double up, which gives us a free man elsewhere.”
Birmingham boss Davies knows Jones well.
He was the assistant coach to Brendan Rodgers at Celtic while Jones was playing arguably the best football of his career north of the border at Kilmarnock.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
