Exclusive: Wigan Athletic agree 6-figure transfer deal - Reading FC, Bradford City & Stockport County have been circling | OneFootball

The Latics may have made a breakthrough for Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward

Wigan Athletic have agreed a six-figure transfer deal for Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward, sources have exclusively informed Football League World.

The Latics - who sit just two points and two positions above the League One relegation zone - came back miraculously from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Doncaster Rovers this past weekend, with just one clean sheet kept in their last eight league contests.

Manager Ryan Lowe has been looking to bolster his defensive options before the February 2 transfer deadline, and he now looks poised to do so.

Wigan Athletic make breakthrough in pursuit of Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward

FLW understands that Wigan have now agreed a deal to raid another North West club - League Two side Accrington Stanley - for star defender Benn Ward.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who spent time at the academy of Brighton & Hove Albion before dropping into non-league with Hastings United at the age of 16, arrived at Accrington last January from Burnley for an undisclosed fee, and they are now set to cash in on his services.

Ward started 21 games in League Two last season for Accy and another 23 in the fourth tier in 2025-26 under John Doolan, but was absent for their away clash with Walsall on Saturday - which Stanley kept a clean sheet in and drew 0-0.

Doolan confirmed post-match that Ward was not selected due to bids for his services, and Wigan have finally made a breakthrough with their FIFTH offer for the ex-Clarets man, who is out of contract at the Crown Ground in the summer - although there is a one-year option held in Stanley's favour.

Wigan have agreed a fee with Accrington in the region of £500,000 for Ward’s services, plus add-ons and a sell-on clause, and he will make the move to the Brick Community Stadium, pending an agreement of personal terms and a medical.

A number of other clubs have been in for Ward since his time at Accrington.

Last summer, Chesterfield had offers turned down for the Hastings-born defender, FLW can reveal, whilst Reading made an offer earlier in the week of £450,000, according to the Daily Mail, which seemingly did not match Accrington's valuation.

League One pair Bradford City and Stockport County have also been linked, but it appears that Ward could be heading to the Latics after a deal was struck between the two clubs, providing they are not gazumped by a rival, in what will be a much-needed boost for Ryan Lowe's defensive options, should a contract be signed, sealed and delivered.