Wigan Athletic player set for exit amid Oldham Athletic & York City transfer interest | OneFootball

Oldham Athletic and York City are both said to be interested in signing Wigan Athletic striker Josh Stones.

Out-of-favour Wigan Athletic striker Josh Stones is reportedly set to be allowed to leave the club on loan amid interest from two National League clubs.

That's according to journalist Alan Nixon, who claims that National League promotion hopefuls Oldham Athletic and York City are both plotting a move for Stones as he continues to struggle for game time at the Brick Community Stadium.

Stones had a promising loan spell with Oldham last season, scoring three goals and providing three assists in four games after joining the club in December, but his time at Boundary Park was cut short the following month due to injury.

The 20-year-old has scored one goal in six games for the Latics this season, but he has made just three substitute appearances in League One, and he was left out of the matchday squad for the 2-0 win at Carlisle United in the FA Cup first round on Saturday.

With his minutes set to remain limited, Stones is said to be keen to leave Wigan in search of regular football elsewhere, and while a loan exit is the most likely possibility, his permanent departure cannot be ruled out.

Oldham Athletic and York City interested in Josh Stones

After the impressive impact Stones made at Oldham under Micky Mellon [pictured] last season, there was speculation that he could return to the club in the summer, but a deal did not materialise.

Wigan manager Shaun Maloney opted to keep Stones in Lancashire, and he was full of praise for the striker after he scored his side's opening goal in the 2-0 win at Carlisle in the EFL Trophy last month.

"He was very good," Maloney told Wigan Today.

"There’s still moments, I think his hold up play can be even better. But I thought his overall performance was very good.

"I was really happy with Josh today. His work-rate was outstanding.

"I’m glad he scored, and I just felt that the front three of Michael, Josh and Jonny Smith, they pressed really hard and were very aggressive. With and without the ball today, we were good."

However, Stones' goalscoring contribution at Brunton Park has not been enough for him to force his way into Maloney's plans in the league, and he could now make another loan move to the National League, with Oldham and York set to battle his signature.

Despite only narrowly avoiding relegation last season, York currently sit top of the table after a remarkable start to the campaign, while Oldham are fifth and just five points behind the Minstermen in what is an incredibly competitive race for the automatic promotion spot.

While York have shown an interest in Stones, Wigan are said to prefer a return to Oldham for the striker, and it remains to be seen whether he will depart on a temporary or permanent basis - albeit it is more likely it will be on loan.

Oldham Athletic return could be perfect for Josh Stones

While Stones is clearly a player with potential, it seems unlikely he will receive much game time at Wigan this season, so a move away from the club would be a sensible option.

Despite the fact the Latics have scored just 12 goals in their first 13 league games this season, failing to find the back of the net on seven occasions, Stones has still not been given a chance by Maloney, suggesting he does not believe he is ready for League One.

Stones has had two loan spells away from Wigan since joining the club from Guiseley in the summer of 2022, so he could now be keen to make a permanent exit, but the Latics may be reluctant to sell him just yet.

With York looking stronger automatic promotion contenders than Oldham, the LNER Community Stadium could be an exciting destination for Stones, and he would get the chance to develop under Adam Hinshelwood, who is regarded as one of the best managers outside the EFL.