Sources: Wigan Athletic open talks to sign Crystal Palace's Hindolo Mustapha
Wigan Athletic have opened talks over a move to sign Crystal Palace gem Hindolo Mustapha on loan, sources have told Football Insider.
The League One club are hopeful of reaching an agreement for the 19-year-old, with Palace keen for him to continue his development out on loan this season.
After frustrating spells at FC Nurnberg and West Brom last season, where he made a combined four senior appearances, a drop down to League One is seen as the ideal step.
Mustapha and Crystal Palace are both hopeful of increased playing time at his next club, with high hopes for his progress as he remains highly rated at Selhurst Park.
Already a senior international for Sierra Leone, the midfielder has made waves in the Crystal Palace academy, with Wigan now ready to offer him a chance in the EFL.
Crystal Palace are said to have assessed a number of potential destinations for him, but with talks ongoing, Wigan are aiming to steal a march on their rivals.
Why are Wigan interested in signing Hindolo Mustapha?
Wigan have enjoyed a fast start to the summer transfer window as they attempt to improve on a frustrating 16th-place finish last time out by improving their squad.
With four new signings already through the door, the Latics have now set their sights on Mustapha, who will bring youth and energy to their midfield.
The addition of new midfielders has ranked highly on the Latics' radar, with the addition of Max Power already completed, while younger players continue to be targeted.
Having impressed through the ranks at Crystal Palace, Mustapha remains highly regarded despite failing to impress at his two previous loan spells.
Wigan are prepared to offer him more regular football to aid his development while bolstering their squad, in what could be the ideal move for all parties.
What is Crystal Palace's updated stance on academy stars?
Crystal Palace are keen to see Mustapha continue his development out on loan, and hope for a more successful spell after he struggled at Nurnberg and West Brom.
This comes as the Eagles look to forge a pathway into the first team, with players allowed to develop out on loan before returning to make an impact.
New manager Pierre Sage has a proven track record with blooding young players, while the likes of Joel Drakes-Thomas and Dean Benamar were handed senior debuts last season.
For Mustapha, the long-term plan would be for him to return to Selhurst Park after a successful loan spell, where the club would then make a decision about his future.
Similar has been seen with Danny Imray, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Blackpool, before stepping up to West Brom, and could become part of Sage's squad.