Wigan Athletic submit bid to beat Reading and Bradford City to defender transfer | OneFootball

Wigan Athletic have submitted a bid for Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward, who has attracted interest from Reading and Bradford City.

Wigan Athletic have made a bid to sign Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward, who has also been eyed by fellow League One clubs Reading and Bradford City.

The Latics showed their quality on Friday when they defeated Championship outfit and North West rivals Preston North End 1-0 in their FA Cup third round tie.

However, Ryan Lowe's men have been inconsistent in the third tier this season, leaving them just 15th in the League One table.

Wigan will have to be at their best this Saturday, when they face bitter rivals and play-off chasers Bolton Wanderers, who were beaten 3-1 by Peterborough United last time out.

Wigan Athletic make advance for Accrington Stanley star Benn Ward amid Reading and Bradford City interest

The Latics' defensive showings in League One have been more impressive than their attacking exploits, but the Greater Manchester club are vying to bolster their backline.

According to the Daily Mail, Lowe's men have made a move for Accrington's Ward, amid rival interest from fellow third-tier outfits Reading and Bradford, as well as League Two side Chesterfield.

Ward has been a vital asset for Stanley in the fourth tier this season, appearing in 22 of their 24 league games.

The centre-back has also scored two goals this campaign, with his most recent strike coming when John Doolan's side beat Barrow 2-1 on Boxing Day.

Benn Ward could be a strong addition for Ryan Lowe as Latics battle for League One improvement

Wigan should be prioritising the acquisition of a striker this transfer window, as strikers Dara Costelloe and Christian Saydee have scored just five goals between them in League One this term.

Furthermore, joint-top scorer Paul Mullin, previously on loan from Wrexham, was recalled by his parent club earlier in the month.

Therefore, Latics supporters should be glad that Wigan are in the race for Ross County forward Ronan Hale, alongside the likes of Reading and Gillingham.

However, investing in their defence is also a wise move from the North West club, after captain Jason Kerr suffered a freak injury while playing in the park with his son last month.

Discussing Kerr's bizarre setback with Wigan Today, Latics boss Lowe revealed: "He's in a brace now for a couple of weeks, he'll have another scan, and we'll find out then if he needs surgery.

"Hopefully he won't, but I don't really know, because it's the kneecap, so it's a bad one. He's got two big marks either side of his knee where he's gone into the bench, chasing his little fella."

Kerr has not featured for the Brick Community Stadium outfit since their 1-0 victory over Burton Albion in early December.

Current League Two ace Ward can provide strong cover for the former St Johnstone man, and the 22-year-old also boasts plenty of potential, making him a worthwhile long-term investment.

Ward rose through the ranks at Burnley's youth academy and spent the first half 2023/24 season on loan with Swindon Town ahead of his permanent move to Accrington last January.

According to FotMob, the former Clarets youngster has won 184 duels in League Two this season, showing that he can add tenacity to Wigan's ranks.