Wigan make new Cattermole bid

Latics back for Boro starlet

Last updated: 23rd July 2008

cattermole

Cattermole: Wanted by Wigan

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Wigan have made a new £3.5million bid for Middlesbrough's Lee Cattermole.

The Latics had their original £2.5million offer rejected by the Teesside club last week.

Now Steve Bruce has returned and upped his offer by £1million for the Stockton-born midfielder.

Cattermole was not involved in Boro's friendly with Celtic on Tuesday evening, which some saw as an indication of his likely departure.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate has already stated he would not stand in Cattermole's way as he cannot guarantee the England Under 21 international first-team football.

Offer

"We've had a revised offer from Wigan and we felt that he was probably not in the right frame of mind to play [against Celtic]," said Southgate.

"It's not a done deal but the offer gives us something to consider and we thought for all parties it was best for him not to play.

"It's not agreed, but it's pretty close to what we're looking for. He's still our player and with us on the trip but something could happen in the next 24 hours."

Southgate has also said that he needs to sell before signing any more players, so Cattermole's departure could free up space and money to sign long-term target James Harper from Reading.

Prem W/out Top 4 2008/09 Win Outright: Wigan 66/1