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Still can’t get my head round us being third from bottom in The Premier League, hasn’t really sank in yet. Bring on Wolves next week;Get us out of the bottom three
We are staying up!! Wigan Athletic Football Club ♥
Roberto Martinez has coolled reports linking Wigan with Bradley Johnson, while rumours of interest from Bolton also appear wide of the mark.
The Lancashire rivals are two of the clubs who have been linked to Johnson since he was transfer-listed by Leeds, but Martinez refused to confirm that he would be on his list of targets next month.
Leeds are willing to sell Johnson during the transfer window after
failing to agree a new deal with the 23-year-old.
Johnson recently rejected a final contract offer from Leeds and his existing deal is due to expire in six months’ time.
Leeds will listen to offers made for him in the coming weeks as they attempt to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Asked if he was interested in Johnson, Martinez told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “There are going to be a lot of names thrown at us and a lot of speculation.
“I think we will speak about the window when it arrives but at the moment it is too early.”
Bolton were reported to have identified Johnson as a possible January signing but sources in Lancashire say manager Owen Coyle has no intention of submitting a bid to Elland Road when the transfer window opens.
Rangers, Burnley, Stoke and Sheffield United are other clubs who are said to be monitoring Johnson, and Leeds do not plan to return to the player with an improved contract offer having already upped their initial proposal.
Johnson has continued to play a prominent role in United’s first team despite the collapse of negotiations between his advisors and Leeds officials, and manager Simon Grayson is expected to use the former Northampton Town player for as long as he is on the books at Elland Road.
His position in Grayson’s line-up seemed increasingly uncertain last week following a public spat with chairman Ken Bates and the booing of him by United’s supporters during the club’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, but he turned in a solid performance in a 3-2 victory at Burnley having retained the faith of his manager.
Grayson said: “If he’s playing well then he’ll stay in the team. I’ve said that from day one. It’s based on football reasons.
“No player likes to have negativity or criticism aimed at them but I make the decisions.”
On-loan Wigan midfielder Tom Cleverley could be available after discovering he did not crack a rib in a clash with Everton’s Marouane Fellaini.
Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa are suspended, while Franco Di Santo will again be absent with an ankle injury.
Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has recovered from a chest infection and is available for selection.
Ashley Young, who has been unable to train this week because of a knee problem, is ruled out.
Wigan
Suspended: Figueroa & Thomas (both one match)
Doubtful: Cleverley (bruised ribs)
Injured: Boyce (hamstring), Di Santo & McCarthy (both ankle), Moses (shoulder)Aston Villa
Injured: Delph, Petrov & A Young (all knee), Sidwell (Achilles), Weimann (ankle), L Young (groin)Skysports.com understands Wigan have joined the chase for transfer-listed Leeds star Bradley Johnson.
I will go and watch no matter what League we are in!
I swear you only go to about two game a season anyway.[/quote]
That’s what i’m saying I will still make the 2 or 3 trips over a year :)
Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar is doubtful with an ankle problem, while John Heitinga is nursing a knee injury.
Striker Louis Saha picked up a knock at Chelsea last weekend, so either Jermaine Beckford or Yakubu could come into the starting line-up.Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega has completed a three-game ban and may replace Mauro Boselli up front.
Gary Caldwell is unlikely to be risked, while Franco Di Santo could be out for three months with an ankle injury.
Everton
Suspended: Arteta (two matches)
Doubtful: Heitinga (knee), Osman (ankle/fitness), Pienaar (ankle), Saha (unspecified)
Injured: Barkley (leg), Hibbert (ankle)Wigan
Doubtful: Boyce (hamstring), G Caldwell (thigh)
Injured: Di Santo & McCarthy (both ankle), Moses (shoulder)
