CRAIG Morgan insists the decision to turn his back on Wanderers and drop a division to sign for Wigan Athletic was not financially motivated.

The ex-Rotherham United defender dropped a bombshell last week when he agreed a two-year deal with the Latics, just 24 hours after speaking with Bolton.

Neil Lennon had been tracking the former Wales international for months and while the club have refrained from comment, the Northern Irishman is said to be furious that the signing was not completed.

But while Morgan has been accused by many scorned Wanderers fans of following money to Wigan – he has attempted to put the record straight.

“I have signed for Wigan Athletic for no more than I was offered by Rotherham and another club in the Championship,” he said in the Sheffield Star.

“All three offers were about the same. Leaving is purely a football decision. It’s not about greed.”

Lennon released Matt Mills this summer, leaving only three senior centre-halves in the squad as cover in David Wheater, Tim Ream and Dorian Dervite.

Quade Taylor and Oscar Threlkeld are more youthful options but the Whites boss wants at least one experienced man on board before the start of the season to ensure he is not left short.

Weekend reports linked him with a loan move for Leicester City’s Liam Moore – currently being monitored by a string of Championship clubs, including Leeds United.

Lennon’s own links with the Midlands club, along with those of chief scout Jim Melrose, could count in his favour if the Foxes allow the young defender out.

The England Under-21 international, who is currently away at the European Championships in the Czech Republic, wants to concentrate on an international summer before speaking with his club.

“My aim, since the season finished, has been to focus 100 per cent on these Euros,” he said. “I really want to play my part. Then I will assess the situation. It will be something I speak to the management at Leicester about – what is best for me.

“I am a player who needs to be playing. I know it sounds silly, but for me to get to the point I want to be in my career, it has to be playing regularly just to get that experience.

“The Championship is a really good standard and it is something that is in the back of my mind.

“You can only learn so much on the training pitch. I am eager to learn so if that means more game-time in the Championship, then so be it.”