Wigan manager Chris Hutchings is ready to make another bid for West Bromwich Albion midfielder Jason Koumas.
The Latics' manager had a £4 million bid for the Wales international turned down by Albion a week ago but he said last night he was prepared to up the ante in a bid to try to secure the services of the 27-year-old.
Hutchings, who took over at Wigan after Paul Jewell's shock departure at the end of the last campaign, described the situation regarding his interest in Koumas as 'ongoing.'
Koumas has made it clear that he wants Premiership football next season. Wigan would be tempting for him as he also has long-stated a desire to move back to his native Merseyside.
Koumas had been linked with a possible move to Everton but David Moyes has made no moves publicly to tempt him. The Liverpool fanatic might therefore be happy to avoid any personal conflict by opting for Wigan.
Koumas has also been linked with interest from both Birmingham City and Aston Villa but West Brom turned down the chance to allow rivals Blues to take him in a double swoop alongside team-mate Diomansy Kamara.
Hutchings said: "We made a substantial bid for Jason Koumas which was rejected but our efforts are still alive.
"He is a player I am very interested in and he has a lot of good qualities. We still have a strong interest and the situation is ongoing."
