Dion Rankine is “closer” to a transfer to Wigan Athletic from Chelsea

Chelsea youngster Dion Rankine looks set to leave the club for good this summer and it appears his destination will be Wigan Athletic, the League One (Third Division) side who are said to be ‘closer’ to his signature.

The terms of the potential deal are not known: Rankine is technically under contract for another year, so there could even be a nominal transfer fee (although Wigan have been docked eight points this season for previous breaches over finances and wages, so money is probably still a little tight). ).

The 21-year-old right winger, who joined the Academy at U14 level from Cambridge United, spent all of last season on loan at another third division side, Exeter City, starting 21 of his 33 appearances in League 1. Rankine recently told Chelsea’s official website how much he relished the challenge of that loan, giving him such a different experience to youth football, and how he wants to go from there.

Exeter finished a point and a place behind Wigan midway through last season.