Tulio: On his way to the DW?

It seems this international break has been the perfect opportunity for Roberto Martinez to concentrate on increasing his squad in January’s transfer window.

If sources are to be believed, then not only are the Latics moving in for two South American internationals but also Japanese international defender Tulio Tanaka.

Perhaps surprisingly for a centre half, he’s already bagged six goals in 30 appearances for his country plus 45(!) in 150 matches for his club, Urawa Red Diamonds. What’s more, Tanaka was born in Brazil, so I suppose you could say that makes three South American targets. But it isn’t, so we won’t.

I want to consult with my agent and make up my mind by 25th November after returning to Japan… I love Urawa Reds. This feeling of mine will never change if I leave the team. I love the supporters from the bottom of my heart. But I also want to care about my football life. — Tulio Tanaka via Sky Sports

Latics will face some tough competition for Tanaka should he decide to leave Urawa, with Feyonoord thought to be amongst a host of European clubs chasing his signature.

Read the rest of this entry »

Latics’ 3rd Round FA Youth Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur will be held at the DW Stadium on Wednesday 9th December at 7.00 PM, the club have announced.

Entry on the night will be £5 and £1 for children. However, season ticket holders will be able to watch the game for free – that’s zero pounds and zero pence. Fans are being urged to come along, as this will be a great opportunity to witness the future of Wigan Athletic first hand.

Remember the Channel M Wigan Athletic programme, The Latics Football Show, that was on for about half an hour on a weekday night? I could never watch it because our house isn’t within the broadcast area for the station, which is a bit stupid really considering Hindley is supposed to be in Greater Manchester.

Nevertheless, I remember watching an episode via the website and really enjoying seeing how our youth team were getting along. I don’t think this programme exists any longer — probably down to financial restrictins, Credit Crunch and all that — but I would love for them to bring it back. In fact, if some influential bigwig is reading this, then I would gladly offer my services for any such revival, even if it did consist mainly of fans rambling on for half an hour.

Read the rest of this entry »

Some photographs from before the Latics-Fulham game earlier this month.

Jackson Martinez

A source close to the club is reporting the possible capture of two young South American internationals during the forthcoming transfer window, with Colombian Jackson Martinez and Honduran Johnny Palacios, brother of Wilson, supposedly in talks with the club.

According to VitalLatics, Martinez, full name Jackson Arley Martínez Valencia, was in Wigan this Monday with a view to securing a January deal worth £3.5million. If this source is to be believed, talks are at an advanced stage, with a fee for the 23 year old having already been agreed little more than two weeks ago.

Martinez, who currently plays for Medellin in the top level of the Columbian League, has four goals in four games this season and has impressed in Colombia’s South American World Cup qualifying campaign.

Read the rest of this entry »