Wigan Athletic join Leyton Orient & MK Dons in Burnley FC transfer battle | OneFootball

Wigan Athletic are eyeing a deal involving Burnley this summer

Wigan Athletic are set to compete for the signing of Dara Costelloe from Burnley this summer.

According to Alan Nixon, the forward is on the Latics’ radar, with an exit from Turf Moor on the cards during the transfer window.

Costelloe spent last season on loan with Accrington Stanley and then Northampton Town, competing in both League Two and League One.

He contributed a total of 11 goals and one assist from 32 appearances across the two divisions.

Wigan Athletic eye Dara Costelloe move amid rival EFL interest

Wigan are set to enter the competition to sign the 22-year-old amid competition from League One and Two clubs.

MK Dons are reportedly willing to offer Burnley a fee to sign the player on a permanent basis, with Leyton Orient also chasing the Irishman’s signature.

Wigan meanwhile are hoping that the player can be convinced to take the step back down to League One after Burnley gained promotion to the Premier League.

While Costelloe performed well during his loan stints last season, it’s unlikely he will form a key part of Scott Parker’s plans with the Lancashire outfit next season.

It’s believed that the Clarets are willing to let the forward go, but it remains to be seen whether they will accept a permanent offer, and at what figure.

Ryan Lowe will be keen to bolster his side, with this summer representing his first transfer window in charge of the club.

Wigan have already completed their first signing of the transfer window, bringing Fraser Murray into the fold following his exit from Kilmarnock.

The forward has arrived as a free agent, with Christian Saydee also joining from Portsmouth.

Wigan will be keen to improve on their 15th place finish in the league last season, with the Latics ending up 22 points adrift of the promotion battle.

Lowe has already overseen 11 games since taking charge in March, winning just two games in charge and drawing seven.

Dara Costelloe signing would be promising for Wigan if they can get it over the line

Costelloe made the jump to League One in January, and performed well for Northampton.

His six goals in 15 appearances helped the team survive relegation to League Two under Kevin Nolan, and also proved that over the course of a whole season in the third tier, he could be a useful goalscorer.

It’s no surprise there are a number of third tier sides now looking at a deal, as well as MK Dons in the division below, and a permanent move from Burnley would make a lot of sense.

Lowe will be an appealing manager to work for given his vast Championship experience, but it’s also a matter of whether Wigan can compete financially with the likes of the Dons, who are throwing their money around on the likes of Aaron Collins and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.