Wigan boss reveals why Hull City transfer target Charlie Hughes missed Blackburn clash

Wigan Athletic boss Shaun Maloney says a stiff back was the reason Charlie Hughes missed Saturday’s 1-1 friendly with Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

Tongues were wagging ahead of kick-off at the DW Stadium when the 20-year-old centre-back was omitted from the Latics squad amid talks of a move to Hull City.

City remain locked in talks with the Wigan hierarchy over a deal to bring the highly-rated youngster to the MKM Stadium in a move that could rise to £5m over the life of his contract, which is expected to be of five years, in the case of an agreement. be struck between the two clubs.

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Hull Live understands that, while talks are ongoing, a deal has yet to be finalized for the England Under-20 international, although it is hoped a breakthrough will take place early next week.

“Charlie had a back problem before the Fylde game and it was touch and go if he played that day,” Maloney told Wigan Today after the game with Championship rivals City.

City will hope to reach a deal before Saturday’s final pre-season friendly at Reading on Saturday, while Maloney hopes Hughes will feature in the Latics’ next outing, either at Tranmere on Friday night or in Cumbria against Barrow on Saturday afternoon.

“He reported stiffness again this morning (Saturday) so he had a session with Jonny Smith at the training ground,” he continued. “I spoke to him in the dressing room and I expect him to be training as usual on Monday and ready to play on Friday or Saturday.”

When pressed if there were any further developments, Maloney played with a typically straight bat and refused to give too much away.

“There’s really nothing further to report from a non-footballing point of view,” explained the former City striker. “There’s obviously interest in him, which we expected, as there has been in every window since I’ve been here. There are a few interested parties, but nothing official to say at this time.

“I talk to Charlie a lot. This time last year I sat down with him and his dad and tried to lay out my ideas for him over the next 12-24 months. Sometimes these situations are not easy, but he handled it very well. Well, in all the windows so far, Charlie will be absolutely fine, nothing to worry about. Played against Fylde in the background and will play at either Tranmere or Barrow. “