Wigan Athletic have backed out from signing Hearts right back Callum Paterson.
The Sky Bet Championship club were attracted to the 21-year old rising star, joining other clubs keen on adding the player to their squad this summer. Championship side Newcastle were one of the top sides linked to Paterson all summer but they didn’t get him.
Scottish News outlet Daily Record reports that Wigan will not make an improved bid this summer to sign Paterson. Wigan had submitted a bid of £600,000 for the London-born defender but the Scottish club rejected the offer. The Lactics were supposed to improve on the offer but reports say they have opted out from the deal, meaning Paterson would likely remain with Hearts as the transfer window rushes for a close.
Former Celtic and Hibs defender Gary Caldwell who is the current manager of Wigan really wanted to lure Paterson back to the south of the border. Hearts would have been preparing for another approach but Wigan would have to let go. Record Sport say the major reason for the pull out is because Wigan know the capital club is holding out to get the most from the deal, and the Championship side were not prepared to drop as much as the fee could run into a million. Wigan are aware the deal with Paterson has entered its last year, with talks for a new deal stalled. Also, Robbie Neilson revealed that Paterson was an integral member of his squad, so he would not be sold cheap or for the sake of it.
Paterson has 145 games in all competitions for the Jambos in his belt. The Scottish side is looking at making a real chase at the title this season. Former Hearts forward Scott Crabbe opines that the new look of the team is enough to threaten any side in the Scottish Premier ship.
