WIGAN ATHLETIC are ready to challenge Sunderland in the battle to sign Nathan Broadhead from Everton.

Despite the Toffees’ chronic lack of attacking options, Broadhead did not feature in Frank Lampard’s 18-man matchday squad for Saturday’s season-opening defeat to Chelsea.

The 24-year-old, who had a successful loan spell on Wearside last season, has been told he does not feature in Lampard’s plans for the remainder of the campaign, but Everton are not willing to give him up on him entirely despite him having entered the final year of his current contract at Goodison Park.

The Everton hierarchy are hoping to persuade Broadhead to sign a new deal before sending him out on another loan for the remainder of the season.

Sunderland have already signed Ellis Simms from the Toffees this summer, with the striker having made an instant impact in his first Black Cats start on Saturday as he scored two goals in a 3-2 win at Bristol City.

Football League rules would not preclude them from making another loan signing from the same club, and Sunderland officials have held a number of discussions over Broadhead’s position this summer.

Alex Neil would like to re-sign the Welshman, but if Everton do give the green light for another loan move, the Black Cats will not be the only Championship club hoping to strike a deal.

Wigan have already signalled their interest, with Leam Richardson desperate to strengthen his attacking ranks despite a decent start to the season that has seen the Latics draw with both Preston and Norwich City.

Wigan have made an inquiry over Preston striker Ched Evans, but Richardson would prefer to sign Broadhead, who scored ten goals in 20 League One appearances for Sunderland last season.

The striker’s experiences on Wearside last season should work in the Black Cats’ favour if they look to strike another deal, although given Simms’ immediate impact alongside Stewart, Broadhead might have concerns about how much football he would play if he rejoined Sunderland.