Wigan Athletic turn down Preston North End transfer approach | OneFootball

Wigan Athletic have rejected Preston North End's bid for star goalkeeper Sam Tickle

Wigan Athletic have rejected a bid from Preston North End to sign academy graduate goalkeeper Sam Tickle, who has maintained 11 clean sheets in 26 League One appearances this season.

That's according to Pete O'Rourke via X, while TEAMtalk previously reported that Premier League duo Arsenal and Manchester United were keeping tabs on the talented Latics shot-stopper.

Preston North End bid for Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle rejected

Last summer, The Sun revealed that Tickle rejected the opportunity to become the Gunners' back-up goalkeeper, and chose to remain in League One amid fears over his game time.

But it is now Championship outfit Preston who are looking to test Wigan's resolve, in an effort to sign the 22-year-old who has received several England under-21 call-ups.

While the Latics reside in League One, it is no surprise that clubs higher up the pyramid are eyeing a move for Tickle, who is one of the nation's outstanding young goalkeepers, hence his youth international accolades.

While Shaun Maloney's side prepare for Tuesday night's trip to Peterborough United, only Stevenage's Murphy Cooper, and Leyton Orient's Josh Keeley, who are on loan from Championship Queens Park Rangers and Premier League Tottenham Hotspur respectively, have maintained more clean sheets in the third tier than the Tics academy graduate.

Such exploits have clearly impressed fellow North West side North End, but the Latics will be in no rush to sell their man, whose contract at the Brick Community Stadium lasts until 2028.

Alongside his impressive performances in League One, Tickle has also played a key role in the FA Cup for Maloney's men this term, helping his side earn a fourth round meeting with Premier League Fulham by producing stunning stops in earlier rounds against the likes of League Two Carlisle United and third tier rivals Cambridge United.

While Preston's attempt to sign Tickle has been blocked by the Latics, fellow Wigan academy graduate Thelo Aasgaard does not appear set to stay at the Brick Community Stadium.

As broken by Football League World's exclusive, Championship strugglers Luton Town are in advanced talks with the Greater Manchester club to sign Aasgaard, who has been a talisman for Maloney's men this term.

In fact, the Norway youth international has notched an impressive return of eight goals and two assists in League One this term, for a club who have managed just 26 goals in as many fixtures.

Aasgaard's seemingly imminent departure will come as a huge blow for the Tics, who will now be all the more determined not to sanction the exit of star goalkeeper Tickle, amid North End's efforts to sign him.