Bristol City transfer loophole for Wigan man as Reading near deal on linked forward

Bristol City could end up having to pay nothing for rumoured transfer Jack Whatmough, according to reports from the local Wigan area.

Sister website Wigan Today claims that the League One outfit 'face a fight' to prevent losing some of their assets for free because of the failings of the previous ownership. Wigan failed to pay their players on time six occasions in the last 12 months and have been given an eight point deduction for the 2023/24 campaign.

Mike Danson - owner of Wigan Warriors - bought for the club recently from Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi earlier this month, but as a result of failing to pay players on time - the new regime could face losing some of their key players for free, and that includes Whatmough who has been linked with a move to Bristol City, QPR, Preston North End and Coventry City.

A loophole has emerged that players who were paid late on at least three occasions may be able to excercise their right to serve their notice, and walk away from the club on a free transfer, as per FIFA rules. Wigan Today add some of the players agents have been 'touting' their players to Championship clubs, and Wigan are now in a vulnerable position. Whatmough was at Wigan for the first day of pre-season last week but he along with Will Keane could depart this summer.

In other news, reported transfer target Harvey Knibbs looks set to sign for League One club Reading, according to Football Insider. It was claimed by the same outlet earlier this month that City, along with Huddersfield Town, and Derby County had been interested in signing him, but the Madesjki Stadium is now likely to be his destination.

Bristol-born Knibbs - son of Bristol rugby legend Ralph - is a free agent after opting to leave Cambridge United this summer, and has seemingly opted to remain in the third tier, and join the recently relegated side. The Royals recently appointed former Southampton caretaker boss Ruben Selles as their new manager, with Reading hoping to bounce back immediately from their relegation from the Championship. Knibbs got 25 goals and 11 assists in 156 games for Cambridge having joined from Aston Villa, and registered five goals and five assists in the 2022/23 season.