Former Premier League defender Liam Ridgewell looks set for a short-term return to England with Wigan Athletic.
Portland Timbers defender Liam Ridgewell is set to complete a short-term loan move to Wigan Athletic, according to reports in the US.
Ridgewell, 30, joined Portland in June after leaving West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer and has since made 15 appearances for the Oregon-based outfit, helping to stabalise what had been a frail back-line.
With the 2015 MLS season not set to begin until March, however, the former England Under-21 international is said to have attracted interest from a host of Championship clubs, who are keen to acquire his services on a short-term deal.
Premier League struggles Crystal Palace were also reportedly tracking Ridgewell before the departure of manager Neil Warnock, but a switch to the DW Stadium is now expected to be confirmed at some stage this week.
Having made more than 250 top-flight appearances during spells at Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom, respectively, Ridgewell would provide Wigan with some much-needed defensive experience, with Malky Mackay’s side sitting 23rd in the Championship table at present.
Under the terms of the reported deal, he would remain with the Latics until mid-February, before returning to the US to re-join the Timbers for the team’s annual preseason tournament, which is expected to begin on the 22nd of the month.
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