Sources: Everton idol Duncan Ferguson in talks with Wigan Athletic
Duncan Ferguson is in pole position to be the new Wigan Athletic manager, sources have told Football Insider.
The 50-year-old is eager to land his first managerial job after leaving Everton in the summer.
He has held talks with Wigan and is being considered by the club as they close in on a new appointment.
An agreement is not yet in place but Ferguson is currently the favourite for the post ahead of the likes of former Blackpool boss Neil Critchley.
Leam Richardson was sacked last week just over two weeks after signing a new three-year contract with the club having slipped into the relegation zone in the Championship.
Richardson had let the Latics to the League One title last campaign in his first season in charge.
Nevertheless, the managerless side signed off for the mid-season World Cup break with a 2-1 win over near-neighbours Blackpool on Saturday (12 November).
The Lancashire club are now inside the relegation zone on goal difference ahead of the return to second-tier action on 10 December.
Former Everton coach Ferguson had two spells as the Toffees' interim manager, most recently taking charge when Rafael Benitez was relieved of his duties in January this year.
However, the Wigan hot seat would be his first permanent job in management after holding several positions at senior and academy level.
He left Goodison Park in July, claiming he was ready to "take the next step" in his career and was subsequently linked with the Blackburn job over the off-season.
Wigan have the second-worst goal difference in the second tier after scoring just 21 goals in 21 Championship games this term.