WANDERERS' Darren Pratley may be on the move to Wigan Athletic as they prepare for life back in the Championship.

An offer is believed to have come in from the DW Stadium for them to take Bolton's captain back up to the second tier.

This week the co-owner Ken Anderson's son Lee confirmed they are keen to offload the club's higher earners, although it would be preferable to ship out players on permanent moves.

Already making exits are David Wheater, Neil Danns, Liam Feeney and Emile Heskey, who will all to leave when their contracts expire on June 30. Pratley signed a three-year deal at Bolton last summer but accepts his time at the club may end prematurely in the wake of relegation.

“I am not stupid or naïve," the midfielder told The Bolton News. "I know the club will slash the budget because they need to. They will want to bring in fresh blood too. But until I get told otherwise I am contracted to Bolton.”

One major sticking point with any proposed move is the transfer embargo, in place since just before Christmas, although club chairman Anderson remains adamant this will be lifted very soon after a manager is announced at the Whites, which is said to be imminent

Wigan came up from League One as champions this year with a squad given virtually a complete overhaul 12 months ago.

Latics manager Gary Caldwell has conceded his task is made more difficult after promotion as they cannot merely outbid divisional rivals this time around. However, bringing in Pratley would seem to fit the bill for Wigan. And as Wanderers are looking to make cuts to the wage bill a move away from the Macron for Pratley may suit all parties.

David Perkins was the Latics' player-of-the-year, with Max Power the only man coming close to pushing him for the award. The two midfielders were backed up by Sam Morsy, who came in from Chesterfield in January. However, those three aside, there is little depth to their midfield ranks and it is an area Caldwell would like to strengthen.

Meanwhile, the Whites have confirmed to The Bolton News that the club's pre-season tour will take them to Scandinavia and plans are in the pipeline for at least two friendlies against local sides next month.