YANIC WILDSCHUT is close to completing a permanent move to Wigan Athletic after Middlesbrough officials held a series of discussions about his departure earlier today.

Wildschut impressed while on loan at Wigan in the first half of the season, and while he has returned to the Riverside, Boro are willing to move him on.

That suits Wigan, and the League One club are close to completing a deal that will see the Dutchman make a permanent switch to Lancashire.

Boro are set to agree to a staggered series of payments that could eventually be worth around £1m if a series of clauses are met.

And Wildschut is expected to agree to a financial package that will see him compensated for the remaining period left on his Middlesbrough deal.

“The fans have seen the excitement he brings to the team," said Wigan boss Gary Caldwell. "We’ve helped his career. I don’t think it was going anywhere at Middlesbrough, and we gave him a home, an opportunity to show his talent.

“He did it in a great way, and bought into what we were trying to do at the club. He enjoyed his spell here – we want him back, and he wants to come back.”