Latics favourite for Potters target

Stoke are reportedly behind Wigan in the chase for Manchester City's out-of-favour £4million-rated defender Nedum Onuoha.

The England Under-21 international, who has been approached to play for the senior Nigeria squad, is struggling to force his way into City boss Mark Hughes' back line this season due to Micah Richards, Tal Ben Haim, Richard Dunne and Pablo Zabaleta all ahead of him in the pecking order for the central defence and right-back positions.

As a result he is becoming frustrated at Eastlands and is thought to be looking for a move to secure regular first-team action with another Premier League side.

That has led to reports claiming Potters boss Tony Pulis and Wigan could be plotting a January transfer window raid for Onuoha to bolster their respective back lines. However the fact he would not have to relocate if he joined Wigan appears to have put them in the driving seat for his signature.