Wigan to offer star new deal

Wigan boss Robert Martinez is ready to offer star youngster James McCarthy a new deal - and keep him out of the clutches of Liverpool and Chelsea.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder was tracked by the two giants last season but Martinez has told him to stay with Latics and now chairman Dave Whelan is coming up with a pay rise for him.

McCarthy is settled in the area and is in no rush to move - and talks have started with his agent about an extension and hike from the salary he signed for when he came from Hamilton.

Liverpool opted to take Jordan Henderson rather than McCarthy while Chelsea see him as a young squad man, so the Glasgow-born prospect is happy to take a new deal at Wigan in the meantime.

Martinez's decision to snub Aston Villa and commit to Wigan has also played a part in McCarthy's thinking and tying him down will mean one less job for the Spanish boss this summer.

Source: Daily Mirror